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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Jacobin Cuckoo
Chant
Loud, far-carrying call with raucous quality; harsh penetrating notes given from tall canopy tree. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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
Jacobin Cuckoo
Least Concern
African Cuckoo
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Jacobin Cuckoo
Plumage
Scale-feathered Malkoha: scaly dark green above; buff below; bare red orbital skin; long dark tail; scaled feather texture distinctive
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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Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) — 31–34 cm. Bold black-and-white; black crest; white underparts and wing patch; long tail. Widespread from Africa through the Indian subcontinent. Brood parasite targeting babblers. Migratory in part of its range. Insectivore. Known as 'Pied Crested Cuckoo'; its monsoon-season arrival in South Asia is celebrated.
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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