African Emerald Cuckoo vs Red-faced Malkoha
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Red-faced Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 30.8 cm (12.1 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 91.9 g (3.24 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| 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.
Red-faced Malkoha
Sharp, far-carrying call with penetrating quality; loud notes audible through tropical scrub habitat.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Red-faced 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
Red-faced Malkoha
Giant Coua: large dark blue-gray body; pale below; brilliant bare blue facial skin; long white-tipped dark tail; largest Madagascar coua
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.
Red-faced Malkoha
Red-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus) — 45–48 cm. Dark green above; chestnut-red underparts; vivid scarlet bare facial skin and bill. Endemic to Sri Lanka in wet lowland and foothill forest. Non-parasitic. Insectivore. Vulnerable; dependent on intact forest and threatened by deforestation.