African Emerald Cuckoo vs Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Chestnut-breasted Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Phaenicophaeus curvirostris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 32.9 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 151.525 g (5.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
African Emerald Cuckoo only
None
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha only
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.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Loud, far-carrying plaintive call; pure resonant notes carrying through open dry scrub habitat. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
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
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Coquerel's Coua: olive-gray above; rufous-buff below; bare blue facial skin; long white-tipped tail; Madagascar dry forest cuckoo
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.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) — 44–50 cm. Dark green above; chestnut breast; whitish belly; decurved green bill; bare red orbital skin; long white-tipped tail. Widespread in lowland forest and mangroves from the Malay Peninsula to the Philippines. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; specialises in large caterpillars.