Delalande's coua, also known as the snail-eating coua or Delalande's coucal, is an extinct species of non-parasitic cuckoo from Madagascar. It was only known to science as an extant bird for a very short time in the early 19th century. There is some disagreement about its area of occurrence: Although there were claims that the bird was also found in the area of Fito and Maroantsetra as well as near Toamasina (Tamatave), i.e., the coastal areas of northern Toamasina Province, all specimens with good locality data are from the offshore island of Nosy Boraha. As the vernacular name implies, land snails were a favored food item of this species.
Region
Eastern Madagascar (Nosy Boraha)
Typical Environment
Historical records indicate occurrence on the low-lying, humid coastal forests of Nosy Boraha, an island off Madagascar’s east coast. It likely inhabited evergreen and littoral forests with dense undergrowth and abundant leaf litter where land snails are common. Microhabitats would have included thickets, forest edges, and damp, shaded areas. No confirmed populations have been recorded since the 19th century.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Delalande's coua was a non-parasitic cuckoo endemic to Madagascar and is believed to have gone extinct in the 19th century. Most reliable specimens and locality data point to the offshore island of Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie) on Madagascar’s east coast. As its alternate name suggests, it specialized in feeding on land snails and foraged mostly on the forest floor. Like other couas, it was likely a shy, ground-oriented bird with short flights.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers to run
Social Behavior
Generally observed singly or in pairs, moving quietly through undergrowth. As a non-parasitic cuckoo, it likely built a simple nest and both sexes probably participated in incubation and care, as in other couas. Breeding would have been timed to warm, wet periods when invertebrate prey was abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Presumed to have low, resonant cooing notes typical of couas, interspersed with soft clucks. Vocalizations likely carried at dawn and dusk through dense vegetation.
