Diederik Cuckoo vs African Emerald Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx caprius compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Diederik Cuckoo African Emerald Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx caprius Chrysococcyx cupreus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 22.7 cm (8.9 in) 21.1 cm (8.3 in)
Weight 32.44 g (1.14 oz) 38.0 g (1.34 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Diederik Cuckoo only

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Diederik Cuckoo

Song

Loud, far-carrying call with resonant quality; deep hollow notes audible far through dense forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native 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

Diederik Cuckoo

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

About These Birds

Diederik Cuckoo

Diederik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) — 18–20 cm. Male: iridescent green with white spots; white eye-stripe; red eye; white below with green barring. Female: bronze-green with copper streaks. Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa in woodland and savanna. Brood parasite targeting weavers. Insectivore. Named for its 'dee-dee-dee-diederik' call.

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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