African Cuckoo vs Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
Cuculus gularis compared with Neomorphus geoffroyi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Neomorphus geoffroyi |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 33.0 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 350.2 g (12.35 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1-2 |
| 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.
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
Deep, hollow booming call; resonant bass notes carrying surprisingly far across dense tropical forest floor.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Rufous-vented Ground-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
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
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.
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo (Neomorphus geoffroyi) — 46–50 cm. Bronzy-brown above; buff below; rufous vent; bare blue facial skin; decurved bill. Inhabits humid lowland forest from Mexico to South America. Non-parasitic; follows army ant swarms to catch flushed prey. Rare and secretive. Insectivore.