Running Coua
NameRunning Coua
Common NameRunning Coua
Scientific NameCoua cursor
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)215
Plumage DetailsThis species has olive-grey upperparts and a long, dark tail. Its head is olive-grey with a striking bare blue skin patch around the eye, bordered by black. The throat and upper breast are a pale buffy-orange or rufous, fading to whitish on the belly, complemented by a black bill and legs.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of low, guttural 'coo-coo-coo' notes that often accelerate, as well as soft whirring or purring sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the spiny forests and dry scrublands of southwestern Madagascar.
Identifying FeaturesProminent bare blue skin patch around the eye, Pale buffy-orange throat and upper breast, Olive-grey upperparts, Long tail, Terrestrial foraging behavior
Description
The Running Coua is a large, terrestrial cuckoo endemic to Madagascar, known for its distinctive bare blue facial skin. It primarily forages on the ground, running swiftly through dry spiny forests and scrubland in search of insects and other small prey.
