Black-faced Coucal vs African Emerald Cuckoo

Centropus melanops compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Black-faced Coucal African Emerald Cuckoo
Scientific Name Centropus melanops Chrysococcyx cupreus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 31.8 cm (12.5 in) 21.1 cm (8.3 in)
Weight 219.75 g (7.75 oz) 38.0 g (1.34 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Black-faced Coucal only

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Black-faced Coucal

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; piercing notes carrying far across tall African forest habitat.

African Emerald Cuckoo

Song

Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low notes carrying far through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Black-faced Coucal

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

About These Birds

Black-faced Coucal

Black-faced Coucal (Centropus melanops) — 38–44 cm. Chestnut-rufous wings and back; black head, face, and underparts; long tail. Endemic to the Philippines (Mindanao and satellite islands) in grassland, scrub, and forest edge. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Status considered Vulnerable due to rapid habitat conversion.

African Emerald Cuckoo

African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) — 20–22 cm. Male: dazzling emerald green above and on breast; yellow belly; red bill. Female: bronze-green above; rufous-barred below. Inhabits primary forest and dense secondary growth across West and Central Africa. Brood parasite targeting sunbirds and other small passerines. Insectivore.

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