Coquerel's Coua
NameCoquerel's Coua
Common NameCoquerel's Coua
Scientific NameCoua coquereli
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)275
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown to grey-brown, with a white throat and upper breast. The lower breast and belly are a rich rufous-orange. A prominent patch of bare, bright blue skin surrounds the eye, bordered by black, and the iris is red. The bill is dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of deep, resonant 'coua' calls that can accelerate, as well as various grunts and chuckles.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the dry deciduous forests and spiny forests of western and northwestern Madagascar.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a cuckoo, Terrestrial habits, Striking bare blue skin around the eye, Rufous-orange lower breast and belly, Olive-brown upperparts
Description
The Coquerel's Coua is a large, terrestrial cuckoo endemic to Madagascar, known for its striking bare blue facial skin. It primarily forages on the forest floor for insects and other invertebrates. This species is often seen walking or running rather than flying.
