African Emerald Cuckoo vs Red-capped Coua

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Coua ruficeps

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Red-capped Coua
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Coua ruficeps
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 32.8 cm (12.9 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 172.66666666666666 g (6.09 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Red-capped Coua only

Song & Call Comparison

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.

Red-capped Coua

Song

Loud, harsh call with nasal quality; penetrating notes carrying through dense tropical forest habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Red-capped Coua

About These Birds

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.

Red-capped Coua

Red-capped Coua (Coua ruficeps) — 39–42 cm. Grey body with a distinctive rufous-red cap; bare blue orbital skin; long white-tipped tail. Found in the western and northern deciduous forests and scrub of Madagascar. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Fairly common within suitable dry-forest habitat.

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