African Emerald Cuckoo
NameAfrican Emerald Cuckoo
Common NameAfrican Emerald Cuckoo
Scientific NameChrysococcyx cupreus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)18.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsMales exhibit stunning iridescent emerald green plumage on the head, back, wings, and tail, contrasting sharply with a bright yellow belly and undertail coverts. Females are generally duller green, sometimes with rufous or barred underparts.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, clear, whistling 'hello-jee' or 'coo-coo-coo' that often ascends in pitch, frequently heard in its forest habitat.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound widely across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa eastward to Kenya and southward to Angola and South Africa, inhabiting various forested and wooded areas.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent emerald green upperparts, Bright yellow underparts (male), Slender body with a relatively long tail, Distinctive whistling call, Brood parasitic behavior
Description
This small, iridescent cuckoo is known for its brilliant green upperparts and bright yellow underparts. It is an arboreal species, often found in the canopy of forests and woodlands, and is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species.
