Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo vs Lesser Roadrunner
Cercococcyx montanus compared with Geococcyx velox
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo | Lesser Roadrunner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cercococcyx montanus | Geococcyx velox |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 29.3 cm (11.5 in) | 28.3 cm (11.1 in) |
| Weight | 58.0 g (2.05 oz) | 184.1 g (6.49 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating rough notes carrying through dense humid forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Lesser Roadrunner
Loud, call carrying far; distinctive hollow notes audible across dry open Central American terrain. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
Lesser Roadrunner
How to Tell Them Apart
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo: brown above; pale below with dark barring; very long graduated dark barred tail; red eye; barred pattern
Lesser Roadrunner
About These Birds
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo (Cercococcyx montanus) — 26–30 cm. Brown above; whitish below with bold dark barring throughout; long tail. Inhabits montane forest undergrowth in East and Central Africa. Brood parasite. Insectivore. Skulking; identified by its high-pitched whistled song.
Lesser Roadrunner
Lesser Roadrunner (Geococcyx velox) — 46–52 cm. Similar to Greater Roadrunner but smaller with a more streaked breast. Found in dry scrub, open woodland, and arid valleys from Mexico to Nicaragua. Non-parasitic; carnivorous; eats insects and small vertebrates. Shares the same terrestrial running lifestyle as its northern relative.