African Emerald Cuckoo vs Grey-capped Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Coccyzus lansbergi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Grey-capped Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Coccyzus lansbergi |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 23.0 cm (9.1 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 51.0 g (1.80 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-5 |
| 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.
Grey-capped Cuckoo
Loud, harsh call with nasal penetrating quality; rough notes carrying through dense forest in Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Grey-capped Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size
Grey-capped Cuckoo
Mangrove Cuckoo: olive-brown above; buff-orange below; long dark spotted tail; yellow bill; black mask; Caribbean-American species
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.
Grey-capped Cuckoo
Grey-capped Cuckoo (Coccyzus lansbergi) — 25–29 cm. Pale grey cap contrasting with brown back; rufous-buff underparts; yellow-based bill; white tail spots. Inhabits dry scrub and forest edge from Colombia and Venezuela south to Peru and Bolivia. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.