African Cuckoo vs Northern Hawk-Cuckoo
Cuculus gularis compared with Hierococcyx hyperythrus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Northern Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Hierococcyx hyperythrus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 39.7 cm (15.6 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 120.15 g (4.24 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
African Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Northern Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating notes carrying through dense forest in Philippines.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Northern Hawk-Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
Northern Hawk-Cuckoo
Northern Hawk-Cuckoo: gray-brown above; white below with rufous streaking; hawk-like; long tail; yellow eye-ring; northern Asia
About These Birds
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. Insectivore.
Northern Hawk-Cuckoo
Northern Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx hyperythrus) — 29–32 cm. Grey above; rufous-orange breast graduating to barred belly; barred tail. Breeds in Russia and Korea; winters to Southeast Asia. Brood parasite targeting bush-warblers and flycatchers. Insectivore. Long-distance migrant.