Giant Coua
NameGiant Coua
Common NameGiant Coua
Scientific NameCoua gigas
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)550
Plumage DetailsIt has a pale brown crown and nape, with blackish lores and a prominent bare blue and purple patch around the eye. The upperparts are olive-brown, while the throat and upper breast are pale buff, transitioning to a distinctive rufous-orange on the lower breast and belly. The long, graduated tail is dark olive-brown with white tips.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a deep, booming 'coua-coua-coua' call, often repeated, as well as various guttural sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to western and southern Madagascar, inhabiting dry deciduous forests, spiny forests, and gallery forests.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size (up to 60 cm), Prominent bare blue and purple facial patch, Rufous-orange lower breast and belly, Long, graduated tail with white tips, Terrestrial foraging habits
Description
The Giant Coua is a large, terrestrial cuckoo endemic to Madagascar, known for its striking bare blue and purple facial patch. It primarily forages on the forest floor, often running rather than flying, and has a distinctive rufous belly.
