African Cuckoo vs Pheasant Cuckoo
Cuculus gularis compared with Dromococcyx phasianellus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Pheasant Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Dromococcyx phasianellus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 32.6 cm (12.8 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 88.48333333333333 g (3.12 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| 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.
Pheasant Cuckoo
Deep, guttural croaking call; resonant low notes carrying across open South American tropical forest edge.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Pheasant Cuckoo
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
Pheasant Cuckoo
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.
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.