African Emerald Cuckoo vs Red-breasted Coua
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Coua serriana
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Red-breasted Coua |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Coua serriana |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 33.9 cm (13.3 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 293.0 g (10.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
African Emerald Cuckoo
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-breasted Coua
Loud, far-carrying melodic call; rich resonant notes given from tall forest canopy in Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Red-breasted Coua
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size
Red-breasted Coua
Running Coua: pale gray-white below; olive-brown above; blue-green orbital ring; long graduated tail; ground-running Madagascar bird
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-breasted Coua
Red-breasted Coua (Coua serriana) — 42–46 cm. Grey-brown above; vivid chestnut-orange breast; white belly; bare blue orbital skin. Restricted to the humid eastern rainforest of Madagascar. Non-parasitic; forages mainly in the understorey. Omnivore. Near Threatened due to deforestation.