African Emerald Cuckoo vs Chestnut-bellied Malkoha

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Phaenicophaeus sumatranus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Chestnut-bellied Malkoha
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Phaenicophaeus sumatranus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Near Threatened
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 27.8 cm (10.9 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 97.2 g (3.43 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha 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.

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha

Song

Loud, mellow whistled phrase; rich resonant notes building in deliberate sequence through forest canopy.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Near Threatened

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha

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.

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha

Chestnut-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus sumatranus) — 40–45 cm. Dark blue-green above; chestnut belly; green bill; bare red orbital skin; long tail. Inhabits lowland and hill forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Non-parasitic. Insectivore specialising in hairy caterpillars.

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