African Emerald Cuckoo vs Pavonine Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Dromococcyx pavoninus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Pavonine Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Dromococcyx pavoninus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 25.6 cm (10.1 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 47.25 g (1.67 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Pavonine Cuckoo only

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.

Pavonine Cuckoo

Song

Loud, emphatic crowing call with harsh quality; resonant notes carrying well across open tropical forest edge.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Pavonine 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.

Pavonine Cuckoo

Pavonine Cuckoo (Dromococcyx pavoninus) — 26–30 cm. Rufous-brown above; barred tail; whitish underparts; bare facial skin. Inhabits humid Amazonian and Atlantic forest understorey from Venezuela south to Argentina. Brood parasite; crepuscular. Insectivore. Resembles Pheasant Cuckoo but smaller with distinctive peacock-eye tail spots when spread.

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