Birds and Birding's Guide to:

Watching THE CUCKOO-LIKE BIRDS

THE CUCKOOS

Golden Cuckoos

Hardly to be distinguished structurally, but having the under sides of the wing-quills barred instead of nearly plain, are the handsome Golden Cuckoos (Chrysococcyx) of the Ethiopian region, the commonest of the three or four species being the true Golden Cuckoo (C. cupreus) of tropical Africa, in which the upper parts are metallic green, changing to golden green, while the sides of the head, throat, and under parts are white, barred on the sides with dusky bronze; its length is eight and a half inches. Although fairly abundant in many parts and constantly uttering their mournful call of di-di-di-didrie, they are very shy and difficult of approach, Mr. Layard stating that he was only able to procure three examples in as many months.”

When calling,”he says,”they perch on the summit of some dead branch, ready to do battle with any male, or engage in an amorous chase after any female that comes within their ken. They pursue each other, often with great ardor, turning, twisting, and dashing about with much rapidity.”The African Emerald Cuckoo (C. smaragdineus) is a brilliant metallic green above and on face, throat, and fore neck, and bright golden yellow below.

previous bird species next bird species