African Cuckoo vs Banded Ground-cuckoo
Cuculus gularis compared with Neomorphus radiolosus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Banded Ground-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Neomorphus radiolosus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 30.4 cm (12.0 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 399.0 g (14.07 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
African Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Banded Ground-cuckoo
Loud, deep resonant booming call; powerful bass notes carrying across dense lowland tropical forest.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Banded Ground-cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
Banded Ground-cuckoo
About These Birds
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. Insectivore.
Banded Ground-cuckoo
Banded Ground-cuckoo (Neomorphus radiolosus) — 48–52 cm. Dark brown; broad black breast bands; rufous belly; vivid blue orbital skin. Endemic to wet foothill forest of Colombia and Ecuador. Non-parasitic; follows army ant columns. Insectivore. Endangered due to severe habitat loss in its restricted range.