African Emerald Cuckoo vs Lesser Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Cuculus poliocephalus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Lesser Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Cuculus poliocephalus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 30.8 cm (12.1 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 51.5 g (1.82 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| 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.
Lesser Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying call; penetrating resonant notes given repeatedly from dense African forest canopy.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Lesser Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
Lesser Cuckoo
Lesser Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; slender; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; smaller than Common Cuckoo
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.
Lesser Cuckoo
Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus) — 25–28 cm. Grey above; whitish below with black barring; yellow orbital ring; long tail. Migratory; breeds across South and East Asia from Afghanistan to Japan; winters to East Africa and South Asia. Brood parasite targeting warblers. Insectivore.