African Emerald Cuckoo vs Black-bellied Malkoha

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Phaenicophaeus diardi

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Black-bellied Malkoha
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Phaenicophaeus diardi
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Near Threatened
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 25.4 cm (10.0 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 65.4 g (2.31 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Black-bellied 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.

Black-bellied Malkoha

Song

Loud, melodic far-carrying call; rich resonant notes audible impressively through tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Near Threatened

Black-bellied 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.

Black-bellied Malkoha

Black-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus diardi) — 36–40 cm. Dark glossy green above; entirely black below; long tail; bare red orbital skin; green bill. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.

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