Coquerel's coua is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It was named in 1867 by the French naturalist Alfred Grandidier in honor of the French navy surgeon and naturalist Charles Coquerel.
Region
Western and northwestern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry deciduous forests, scrub, and secondary growth across western and northwestern Madagascar. It frequents forest edges, gallery forests along seasonal rivers, and wooded savannas with dense understory. The species is largely terrestrial, using the leaf litter and low shrubs for foraging and cover. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats but relies on remnant forest structure.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A ground-dwelling cuckoo found only in Madagascar, Coquerel's coua is notable for its vivid blue bare facial skin and long white-tipped tail. Unlike many cuckoos, couas build their own nests and rear their young. The facial skin often intensifies in color during the breeding season, and the bird prefers to run through leaf litter rather than take to the air.
Temperament
solitary and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, moving quietly on the ground or in low vegetation. Pairs are likely monogamous during the breeding season. Nests are shallow platforms concealed in shrubs or low trees, with both parents involved in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Emits a series of mellow, far-carrying coos and whistles, often delivered from a concealed perch. Alarm calls are harsher, with clucking or rasping notes when disturbed.
Plumage
Warm rufous back and wings with pale grey underparts, a dark cap, and a long, graduated tail with white tips. Feathers are smooth and sleek, aiding in silent movement through dense understory.
Diet
Feeds on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other invertebrates. It also takes small reptiles like geckos when available. Seasonal fruits, berries, and seeds supplement its diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on the ground in leaf litter and among low shrubs within dry forest and scrub. Often works along forest edges and near thickets where prey is abundant and cover is available.
