Lesser Roadrunner vs Green-billed Malkoha
Geococcyx velox compared with Phaenicophaeus tristis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Roadrunner | Green-billed Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Geococcyx velox | Phaenicophaeus tristis |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 28.3 cm (11.1 in) | 33.1 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 184.1 g (6.49 oz) | 121.0 g (4.27 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 2-4 |
| 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.
Green-billed Malkoha
Loud, far-carrying call with mellow quality; rich resonant notes given repeatedly from tropical forest.
Conservation Status
Lesser Roadrunner
Green-billed Malkoha
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.
Green-billed Malkoha
Green-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis) — 48–55 cm. One of the largest malkohas; grey-green above; dark grey below; long tail with broad white tips; large curved green bill; bare red orbital skin. Widespread in forest and forest edge from Nepal through Southeast Asia and southern China. Non-parasitic. Insectivore and frugivore.