African Emerald Cuckoo vs Bay-breasted Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Coccyzus rufigularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Bay-breasted Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Coccyzus rufigularis |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 36.2 cm (14.3 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 128.0 g (4.52 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| 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.
Bay-breasted Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep melodic notes audible across dense tropical forest in Africa.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Bay-breasted 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
Bay-breasted Cuckoo
Pearly-breasted Cuckoo: gray above; pearly-white below; long dark spotted tail; similar to Yellow-billed; South 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.
Bay-breasted Cuckoo
Bay-breasted Cuckoo (Coccyzus rufigularis) — 44–48 cm. Large; brown above; deep rufous-chestnut breast; white belly; long tail with white spots. Endemic to Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). Non-parasitic. Omnivore; hunts lizards, large insects. Endangered due to severe deforestation.