African Emerald Cuckoo vs Groove-billed Ani
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Crotophaga sulcirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Groove-billed Ani |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Crotophaga sulcirostris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 25.9 cm (10.2 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 80.3 g (2.83 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Insectivore of open country; eats grasshoppers, beetles, and hairy caterpillars. Forages near grazing animals that … |
| Clutch Size | -- | 3-4 |
| 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.
Groove-billed Ani
Loud, far-carrying display call; deep hollow notes audible across open European grassland habitat at dawn.
Geographic Range & Migration
African Emerald Cuckoo
Groove-billed Ani
Found from southern Texas through Central America to South America. Resident in open country and agricultural areas.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Groove-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.
Groove-billed Ani
A medium-sized, all-black cuckoo (30-34 cm) with a grooved bill. Found from southern Texas through Central America to South America. Similar to Smooth-billed Ani but smaller with a smooth-ridged bill. Gregarious; communal nester. Omnivore following livestock for insects.