Dark-billed Cuckoo vs Mangrove Cuckoo

In short

To distinguish the Dark-billed Cuckoo from the Mangrove Cuckoo, focus on bill color and size. The Dark-billed Cuckoo has a dark bill and is generally smaller, while the Mangrove Cuckoo features a bicolored bill with a black upper mandible and orange-yellow lower mandible base. Both species can be found in overlapping ranges in northern South America.

Identification tips

• Bill Color: Dark-billed Cuckoo has a uniformly dark bill; Mangrove Cuckoo has a bicolored bill.
• Size: Dark-billed Cuckoo is smaller.
• Plumage: Look for the light gray band on the Dark-billed Cuckoo's neck.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Mangrove Cuckoo is more likely in mangrove areas.

Size

The Dark-billed Cuckoo is smaller than the Mangrove Cuckoo.

Plumage

The Dark-billed Cuckoo is darker overall with a light neutral gray band from the lower cheeks to the sides of the neck. The Mangrove Cuckoo has a plain grayish-brown head and upperparts with a distinctive black auricular mask and a white 'eyebrow'.

Habitat

The Dark-billed Cuckoo is found in a variety of altitudes, primarily in lowlands, while the Mangrove Cuckoo is typically associated with mangrove habitats.

Voice

Vocalizations can help differentiate these species, but specific call details for the Dark-billed Cuckoo are not provided. The Mangrove Cuckoo's calls are generally lower-pitched and given more slowly than those of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.