Birds
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) female.jpg

African Emerald Cuckoo

African Emerald Cuckoo

100
2 months ago door jenny van Dorland
Spotted
The African Emerald Cuckoo is a stunningly iridescent green cuckoo found across sub-Saharan Africa. Males are entirely glossy emerald green, while females are duller with green barring. It is renowned for its beautiful, distinctive whistled call.
Where to spot
Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, preferring dense forests, woodlands, riverine thickets, and well-wooded gardens. It often favors areas with tall trees and ample foliage.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive, whistled call, which is often the easiest way to detect its presence. Look for its brilliant green plumage as it perches high in trees, often obscured by leaves, making it challenging to spot despite its color.
When to spot
Most vocal during the breeding season, generally coinciding with the local rainy season when insects and caterpillars (their primary food) are abundant and host birds are nesting.
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) female.jpg
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) female 2.jpg
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) in tree.jpg
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) male.jpg
File:Chrysococcyx cupreus, wyfie, Eshowe, Birding Weto, a.jpg
File:Chrysococcyx cupreus (African emerald cuckoo).jpg
File:Chrysococcyx cupreus (Cuculidae) (African Emerald Cuckoo) - (female adult), Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, South Africa.jpg
File:Emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus insularum) male Sao Tome.jpg
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) female.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) female 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) in tree.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:African emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) male.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Chrysococcyx cupreus, wyfie, Eshowe, Birding Weto, a.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Chrysococcyx cupreus (African emerald cuckoo).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Chrysococcyx cupreus (Cuculidae) (African Emerald Cuckoo) - (female adult), Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, South Africa.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Emerald cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus insularum) male Sao Tome.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The African Emerald Cuckoo is famous for its distinctive and melodious 'hello, Joey!' or 'did-he-do-it' call, which carries well through the forest and is considered one of the most iconic sounds of the African woodlands.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
1 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
2 months ago door jenny van Dorland

Monthly observations

1 observation
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jenny van Dorland
jenny van Dorland
2 months ago
African Emerald Cuckoo
Shozi, Kisoro
Spotted African Emerald Cuckoo
Spotted African Emerald Cuckoo
+60
Lifer
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