African Emerald Cuckoo vs Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Hierococcyx vagans
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Hierococcyx vagans |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 29.4 cm (11.6 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 58.2 g (2.05 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.
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
African Emerald Cuckoo
Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
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
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.
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.