African Emerald Cuckoo vs Smooth-billed Ani
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Crotophaga ani
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Smooth-billed Ani |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Crotophaga ani |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 28.8 cm (11.3 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 125.375 g (4.42 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Insectivore following cattle herds; eats grasshoppers, beetles, and hairy caterpillars flushed by grazers. Also takes … |
| Clutch Size | -- | 3-7 |
| 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.
Smooth-billed Ani
Rapid, bubbling call with liquid quality; pleasant gurgling notes cascading quickly from dense grassland cover.
Geographic Range & Migration
African Emerald Cuckoo
Smooth-billed Ani
Found from Florida and the Caribbean through Central and South America to Argentina. Resident in open habitats.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Smooth-billed Ani
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.
Smooth-billed Ani
A medium-sized, all-black cuckoo (33-36 cm) with a distinctive high-keeled bill and long tail. Found from Florida and the Caribbean through South America. Gregarious, forming flocks. Omnivore, following cattle for disturbed insects. Communal nester with up to 29 eggs in one nest.