African Emerald Cuckoo vs Chestnut-bellied Malkoha
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Phaenicophaeus sumatranus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Chestnut-bellied Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Phaenicophaeus sumatranus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 27.8 cm (10.9 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 97.2 g (3.43 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
African Emerald Cuckoo only
None
Chestnut-bellied 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-bellied Malkoha
Loud, mellow whistled phrase; rich resonant notes building in deliberate sequence through forest canopy.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Chestnut-bellied 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-bellied Malkoha
Red-breasted Coua: brilliant rufous-red breast; gray head; olive-brown above; bare blue facial skin; long tail; Madagascar endemic
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-bellied Malkoha
Chestnut-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus sumatranus) — 40–45 cm. Dark blue-green above; chestnut belly; green bill; bare red orbital skin; long tail. Inhabits lowland and hill forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Non-parasitic. Insectivore specialising in hairy caterpillars.