African Cuckoo vs Red-billed Malkoha
Cuculus gularis compared with Zanclostomus javanicus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Red-billed Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Zanclostomus javanicus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 28.8 cm (11.3 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 115.5 g (4.07 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| 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.
Red-billed Malkoha
Sharp, staccato chip note; clean emphatic sound repeated rhythmically from dense tropical scrub habitat.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Red-billed 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
Red-billed 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.
Red-billed Malkoha
Red-billed Malkoha (Zanclostomus javanicus) — 38–44 cm. Blue-green above with a rufous belly; bright red bill and bare red orbital skin; long white-tipped tail. Inhabits primary and tall secondary forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Java. Non-parasitic. Insectivore feeding on large caterpillars and invertebrates.