African Cuckoo vs Red-crested Malkoha
Cuculus gularis compared with Dasylophus superciliosus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Red-crested Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Dasylophus superciliosus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 30.8 cm (12.1 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 119.5 g (4.22 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 3 |
| 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.
Red-crested Malkoha
Sharp, rising whistled phrase; clean ascending notes with emphatic quality from tropical forest perch.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Red-crested Malkoha
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
Red-crested Malkoha
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.
Red-crested Malkoha
Red-crested Malkoha (Dasylophus superciliosus) — 40–44 cm. Dark green above; rufous below; prominent red crest; bare red orbital ring; long white-tipped tail. Endemic to the Philippines (Luzon, Samar, Leyte). Inhabits primary and secondary forest. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.