African Emerald Cuckoo vs Red-billed Malkoha

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Zanclostomus javanicus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Red-billed Malkoha
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Zanclostomus javanicus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 28.8 cm (11.3 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 115.5 g (4.07 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Red-billed 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.

Red-billed Malkoha

Song

Sharp, staccato chip note; clean emphatic sound repeated rhythmically from dense tropical scrub habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Red-billed 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.

Red-billed Malkoha

Red-billed Malkoha (Zanclostomus javanicus) — 38–44 cm. Blue-green above with a rufous belly; bright red bill and bare red orbital skin; long white-tipped tail. Inhabits primary and tall secondary forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Java. Non-parasitic. Insectivore feeding on large caterpillars and invertebrates.

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