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

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Bay-breasted 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.

Bay-breasted Cuckoo

Song

Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep melodic notes audible across dense tropical forest in Africa.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Endangered

Bay-breasted 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.

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.

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