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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Senegal Coucal
Chant
Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low-frequency sound carrying far through lowland dense forest.
African Cuckoo
Chant
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Statut de conservation
Least Concern
Senegal Coucal
Least Concern
African Cuckoo
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Senegal Coucal
Plumage
Shining Bronze Coucal: glossy purple-blue sheen overall; chestnut wings; dark graduated tail; red eye; brilliant iridescence
African Cuckoo
Plumage
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) — 38–42 cm. Chestnut back; black head and tail; white underparts; red eye. Widespread in Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Zambia; inhabits grassland, scrub, and forest edge. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; frequently seen perching openly and flushing through tall grass.
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.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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