African Emerald Cuckoo vs Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Surniculus musschenbroeki
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Surniculus musschenbroeki |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 25.6 cm (10.1 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 29.7 g (1.05 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| 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.
Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep hollow notes carrying through dense humid forest in Southeast Asia.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo
Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo: glossy black overall; drongo-like forked tail; pale tail tips; red eye; Moluccas island endemic drongo-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.
Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo
Moluccan Drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus musschenbroeki) — 24–27 cm. Glossy black; deeply forked tail; white vent barring. Endemic to the Moluccas and Sulawesi, Indonesia. Inhabits forest and forest edge. Brood parasite. Insectivore. Poorly studied.