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Song & Call Comparison
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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.
Crested Coua
Song
Loud, far-carrying melodic call with resonant quality; clear rich notes audible through dense humid forest.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Emerald Cuckoo
Least Concern
Crested Coua
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
Plumage
New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size
Crested Coua
Plumage
Bengal Coucal: dark brown above; rufous wings; pale buff below; long dark tail; red eye; common Asian coucal; widespread
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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.
Crested Coua (Coua cristata) — 42–44 cm. Grey-brown above; whitish below with vinous breast; prominent erect crest; vivid bare blue orbital patch. Common in western and southern Madagascar in dry deciduous forest, scrub, and spiny thickets. Non-parasitic; builds a small open nest. Omnivore; eats insects, chameleons, fruits, and seeds.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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