Crested Coua

Overview

The crested coua (Coua cristata) is a common, medium-sized bird belonging to the cuckoo family, Cuculidae. It is endemic to Madagascar and is the most widespread species among the nine living couas. This arboreal bird is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although its population is believed to be declining due to habitat loss and hunting.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird averaging 30–44 cm in length with a greenish-grey back, rufous breast, and white abdomen.
• Features a prominent grey head crest and distinctive bright turquoise and blue patches of bare skin around the eyes.
• Possesses a long purplish-blue tail with white tips and black bill; flight is characterised by short rounded wings.
• Highly vocal, producing piercing 'laser gun' sounds, doubled wooden 'touk-touk' calls, and 'koa-koa-koa' noises, often raising its head crest while calling.

Habitat

Endemic to Madagascar, the crested coua is found mainly in the coastal regions of the island, with a range estimated at 562,000 km². It inhabits littoral and deciduous forests but also occupies open areas such as savannas, brushlands, mangroves, and palms. The species typically lives at altitudes up to 900 m, though it is most common around 700 m, preferring mosaic landscapes of forest and croplands over deciduous shrublands.

Diet

Crested couas have an omnivorous diet, consuming arthropods, fruits, berries, snails, chameleons, leaves, and seeds. They feed on virtually anything of appropriate size found within their environment.

Did you know?

The third toe of a crested coua is reversible, allowing it to maintain a strong grip while hopping rapidly between high branches in the canopy. Additionally, newly hatched chicks possess unique red and white 'bullseye' markings inside their mouths, which are thought to guide parents to the correct location for feeding in low light conditions.