African Emerald Cuckoo vs Black-bellied Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Piaya melanogaster

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Black-bellied Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Piaya melanogaster
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 27.0 cm (10.6 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 102.4 g (3.61 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Black-bellied Cuckoo 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.

Black-bellied Cuckoo

Song

Loud, resonant call with nasal quality; carrying notes given from forest perch in Southeast Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Black-bellied Cuckoo

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.

Black-bellied Cuckoo

Black-bellied Cuckoo (Piaya melanogaster) — 35–40 cm. Rufous above; jet-black belly; greenish bill; long tail. Inhabits humid Amazonian forest and tall secondary growth. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; forages in the mid-storey and canopy. Less common than the Squirrel Cuckoo; restricted to lowland Amazonia.

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