African Emerald Cuckoo vs Violet Cuckoo

African Emerald Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx cupreus

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The African emerald cuckoo is sexually dimorphic. The males have a green back and head with a yellow breast. Females are barred green and brown on their backs and green and white on their breasts. The African emerald cuckoo can also be identified by its call, a four-note whistle with the mnemonic device of "Hello Ju-dy."

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: avocat · CC BY 4.0

Violet Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus

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The males have glossy violet feathers on the head and upper parts of the body. The blackish tail has a white tip, and barred outer feathers. The most spectacular feature is the brightly iridescent violet chin and upper breast. The belly is white with broad black, green or violet bars. Mature males also have a red eye-ring. The closely related species, C. amethystinus has a glossy blue-violet throat patch rather than reddish violet of this cuckoo. The females have mottled, greenish-bronze upper parts and a dark brown crown. There are white markings around the eyes and sometimes on the forehead.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Gerard Chartier · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: African Emerald Cuckoo and Violet Cuckoo.