African Emerald Cuckoo vs Scale-feathered Malkoha

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Lepidogrammus cumingi

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Scale-feathered Malkoha
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Lepidogrammus cumingi
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 31.6 cm (12.4 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 167.175 g (5.90 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Scale-feathered Malkoha only

Song & Call Comparison

African Emerald Cuckoo

Song

Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low notes carrying far through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Scale-feathered Malkoha

Song

Loud, far-carrying whistled call; pure melodic notes resonating through dense tropical forest canopy.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Scale-feathered Malkoha

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.

Scale-feathered Malkoha

Scale-feathered Malkoha (Lepidogrammus cumingi) — 40–45 cm. Unique among malkohas for the male's scaly white-tipped breast feathers; green above; bare red orbital skin. Endemic to the Philippines (Luzon and nearby islands). Inhabits forest and scrub. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.

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