African Emerald Cuckoo vs Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Piaya cayana
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Common Squirrel-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Piaya cayana |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 29.1 cm (11.5 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 103.85 g (3.66 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| 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.
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Harsh, far-carrying call with raucous quality; loud rough notes carrying through dense tropical forest.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
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
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Great Spotted Cuckoo: gray above with white spots; pale below; long white-spotted dark tail; long pale crest; European migrant
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.
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Common Squirrel-cuckoo (Piaya cayana) — 40–50 cm. Brilliant rufous-chestnut above and on breast; grey belly; yellow-green bill; very long tail with bold black-and-white tips. Widespread in forest and forest edge from Mexico to Bolivia and Argentina. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; agile forager in tree canopy catching large insects and caterpillars.