African Emerald Cuckoo vs Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Hierococcyx varius
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Common Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Hierococcyx varius |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 38.2 cm (15.0 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 101.5 g (3.58 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.
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating far-carrying notes given from forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; hawk-mimic; long barred tail; yellow eye-ring; brain-fever 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.
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) — 34–38 cm. Grey above; pale below with rufous streaking; hawk-like flight; barred tail. Widespread across the Indian subcontinent in forest, woodland, and plantation. Brood parasite targeting babblers. Insectivore. Its frantic rising call of 'brain-fever' is iconic in South Asian soundscapes.