African Emerald Cuckoo vs Pheasant Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Dromococcyx phasianellus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Pheasant Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Dromococcyx phasianellus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 32.6 cm (12.8 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 88.48333333333333 g (3.12 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.
Pheasant Cuckoo
Deep, guttural croaking call; resonant low notes carrying across open South American tropical forest edge.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Pheasant Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size
Pheasant Cuckoo
Dromococcyx pheasant cuckoo: richly barred rufous and brown above; pale buff below; long graduated rufous-barred tail; peacock-eye pattern
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.
Pheasant Cuckoo
Pheasant Cuckoo (Dromococcyx phasianellus) — 35–40 cm. Streaked brown; long graduated rufous tail barred black; pale buff below. Humid tropical forest from Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil. Brood parasite targeting antbirds and small passerines. Skulking; rarely observed despite its loud whistled song. Insectivore.