African Emerald Cuckoo vs Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Neomorphus geoffroyi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Neomorphus geoffroyi |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 33.0 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 350.2 g (12.35 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1-2 |
| 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.
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
Deep, hollow booming call; resonant bass notes carrying surprisingly far across dense tropical forest floor.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
Scaled Ground-cuckoo: pale buff below with dark scaling; brown above; blue orbital skin; long tail; banded underparts; runs on ground
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.
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo
Rufous-vented Ground-cuckoo (Neomorphus geoffroyi) — 46–50 cm. Bronzy-brown above; buff below; rufous vent; bare blue facial skin; decurved bill. Inhabits humid lowland forest from Mexico to South America. Non-parasitic; follows army ant swarms to catch flushed prey. Rare and secretive. Insectivore.