African Cuckoo vs Chestnut-bellied Malkoha
Cuculus gularis compared with Phaenicophaeus sumatranus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Chestnut-bellied Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Phaenicophaeus sumatranus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 27.8 cm (10.9 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 97.2 g (3.43 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
African Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. 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 Cuckoo
Chestnut-bellied Malkoha
How to Tell Them Apart
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
Chestnut-bellied Malkoha
About These Birds
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. 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.