African Emerald Cuckoo vs Indian Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Cuculus micropterus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Indian Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Cuculus micropterus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 120.5 g (4.25 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Indian Cuckoo only

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Song & Call Comparison

African Emerald Cuckoo

Song

Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low notes carrying far through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Indian Cuckoo

Song

Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall dense forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Indian Cuckoo

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How to Tell Them Apart

African Emerald Cuckoo

Plumage

New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size

Indian Cuckoo

Plumage

Indian Cuckoo: gray above; white below with bold dark barring; four-note call; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; common Asian species

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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.

Indian Cuckoo

Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) — 32–34 cm. Grey above; barred underparts; yellow orbital ring; broad dark subterminal tail band. Migratory; widespread from India through Southeast Asia and China to Korea and Japan. Brood parasite targeting drongos and other medium passerines. Insectivore. Famous four-note 'one more bottle' call.

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