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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