Lesser Roadrunner vs Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Geococcyx velox compared with Hierococcyx vagans
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Roadrunner | Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Geococcyx velox | Hierococcyx vagans |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 28.3 cm (11.1 in) | 29.4 cm (11.6 in) |
| Weight | 184.1 g (6.49 oz) | 58.2 g (2.05 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Lesser Roadrunner
Loud, call carrying far; distinctive hollow notes audible across dry open Central American terrain. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, raucous accelerating call; harsh notes building quickly in urgency given from forest perch. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Lesser Roadrunner
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Lesser Roadrunner
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo: brown above; white below with rufous barring; moustachial stripe; hawk-like barred pattern; yellow eye-ring
About These Birds
Lesser Roadrunner
Lesser Roadrunner (Geococcyx velox) — 46–52 cm. Similar to Greater Roadrunner but smaller with a more streaked breast. Found in dry scrub, open woodland, and arid valleys from Mexico to Nicaragua. Non-parasitic; carnivorous; eats insects and small vertebrates. Shares the same terrestrial running lifestyle as its northern relative.
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx vagans) — 28–31 cm. Hawk-like; brown above; pale below with rufous-streaked breast; bold moustachial stripe; barred tail. Inhabits hill forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Brood parasite; mimics Accipiter sparrowhawks. Insectivore.