Klaas's Cuckoo vs African Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx klaas compared with Cuculus gularis

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Klaas's Cuckoo African Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx klaas Cuculus gularis
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 19.8 cm (7.8 in) 41.8 cm (16.5 in)
Weight 27.919999999999998 g (0.98 oz) 105.0 g (3.70 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-2 --
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Klaas's Cuckoo only

None

African Cuckoo only

None

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Song & Call Comparison

Klaas's Cuckoo

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating rough notes carrying well through dense forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

African Cuckoo

Song

Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Klaas's Cuckoo

Least Concern

African Cuckoo

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How to Tell Them Apart

Klaas's Cuckoo

Plumage

Black-eared Bronze-cuckoo: dark ear patch; bronze-green above; barred white below; red eye; distinctive dark ear patch; small

African Cuckoo

Plumage

African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common

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About These Birds

Klaas's Cuckoo

Klaas's Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) — 17–18 cm. Male: plain iridescent green above; white below with faint green-grey barring on flanks; white behind eye. Female: barred green-brown and buff. Inhabits forest edge, woodland, and gardens across sub-Saharan Africa. Brood parasite targeting sunbirds and warblers. Insectivore.

African Cuckoo

African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. Insectivore.

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