African Cuckoo vs Blue-faced Malkoha
Cuculus gularis compared with Phaenicophaeus viridirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Blue-faced Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Phaenicophaeus viridirostris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 27.2 cm (10.7 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 67.0 g (2.36 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| 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.
Blue-faced Malkoha
Loud, raucous far-carrying call; harsh penetrating notes carrying well through dense forest habitat.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Blue-faced 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
Blue-faced 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.
Blue-faced Malkoha
Blue-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus viridirostris) — 38–42 cm. Green and chestnut; vivid bare blue orbital skin; green bill. Inhabits dry scrub and forest edge across peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Non-parasitic; builds a small cup nest in dense scrub. Insectivore and frugivore.