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

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.

Chestnut-breasted Malkoha

Song

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

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Chestnut-breasted 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.

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.

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