African Emerald Cuckoo vs Giant Coua

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Coua gigas

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Giant Coua
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Coua gigas
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 42.5 cm (16.7 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 430.0 g (15.17 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 3
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Giant Coua only

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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.

Giant Coua

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; piercing rough notes carrying far through dense forest habitat.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Giant Coua

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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

Giant Coua

Plumage

Coral-billed Ground-cuckoo: dark green above; bright coral-red bill; rufous below; blue orbital skin; long tail; vivid bill diagnostic

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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.

Giant Coua

Giant Coua (Coua gigas) — 58–62 cm. Largest coua; grey-brown above; vinous-buff below; bare blue orbital skin; massive heavy bill; long tail. Found in western dry deciduous forests of Madagascar. Non-parasitic; feeds on the ground and in trees. Omnivore; takes large invertebrates, lizards, and fruits. Declining due to forest loss.

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