African Emerald Cuckoo vs Dark-billed Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Coccyzus melacoryphus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Dark-billed Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Coccyzus melacoryphus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 23.3 cm (9.2 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 53.125 g (1.87 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Dark-billed 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.

Dark-billed Cuckoo

Song

Loud, harsh raucous call; piercing rough notes carrying powerfully through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Dark-billed 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.

Dark-billed Cuckoo

Dark-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus melacoryphus) — 26–30 cm. Brown above; pale buff below; dark bill without yellow lower mandible; tail with white spots. Widespread from Colombia south to Argentina; migratory populations reach the Galápagos. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; forages in dense vegetation.

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family