African Cuckoo vs Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Cuculus gularis compared with Hierococcyx vagans
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Hierococcyx vagans |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 29.4 cm (11.6 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 58.2 g (2.05 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.
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, raucous accelerating call; harsh notes building quickly in urgency given from forest perch. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Moustached 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
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo: brown above; white below with rufous barring; moustachial stripe; hawk-like barred pattern; yellow eye-ring
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.
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx vagans) — 28–31 cm. Hawk-like; brown above; pale below with rufous-streaked breast; bold moustachial stripe; barred tail. Inhabits hill forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Brood parasite; mimics Accipiter sparrowhawks. Insectivore.