African Emerald Cuckoo vs Saint Helena Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Nannococcyx psix
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Saint Helena Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Nannococcyx psix |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Extinct |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | — |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 171.0 g (6.03 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.
Saint Helena Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from dense island forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Saint Helena Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
Saint Helena Cuckoo
Saint Helena Cuckoo: extinct; brown above; pale below; long graduated tail; island cuckoo; known only from subfossil remains
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.
Saint Helena Cuckoo
Saint Helena Cuckoo (Nannococcyx psix) — ~25 cm. Extinct. Known only from subfossil remains from Saint Helena, South Atlantic. A small cuckoo inferred from bone morphology; likely became extinct following human colonisation of the island in the 16th century and the introduction of predators.