African Emerald Cuckoo vs Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Surniculus lugubris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Emerald Cuckoo | Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx cupreus | Surniculus lugubris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) | 23.8 cm (9.4 in) |
| Weight | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) | 31.65 g (1.12 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
African Emerald Cuckoo only
None
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo 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.
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh penetrating quality; rough notes given from tall forest tree. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
African Emerald Cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
African Emerald Cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo: glossy black; square-cut tail; drongo mimic; pale tail tips; red eye; southeast Asian drongo mimic
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.
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) — 24–27 cm. Glossy blue-black overall; white vent barring; square-cut tail. Inhabits forest from the Himalayas through the Malay Peninsula to Borneo and the Philippines. Brood parasite mimicking drongos to penetrate nesting territories. Insectivore.