The giant coua is a bird species from the coua genus in the cuckoo family that is endemic to the dry forests of western and southern Madagascar. It is suggested that couas probably originated from a particular Asian ground-cuckoo. The genus coua contains 10 species, more than any other genus in Madagascar. Although the bird is listed under least concern (LC) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it only persists in the biological hot spot of Madagascar, warranting its recognition as a species of conservation concern at the global scale.
Region
Western and Southern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occupies dry deciduous forests, spiny thickets, and scrubby woodland mosaics on the western and southern plains of Madagascar. It forages primarily on the forest floor and along edges, moving into low undergrowth when disturbed. It tolerates lightly degraded forest but declines where understory and leaf litter are heavily removed. Riparian corridors and gallery forests within dry zones can also hold birds. It avoids dense humid rainforest of the eastern escarpment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The giant coua is the largest of the couas—ground-dwelling cuckoos that actually build nests and rear their own young, unlike their brood-parasitic relatives. It spends much of its time walking through leaf litter in Madagascar’s dry forests, relying on stealth more than flight. A vivid blue patch of bare skin around the eye is a key field mark. Habitat loss in Madagascar makes its conservation important despite an overall Least Concern listing.
Kirindy Forest, Madagascar
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, moving quietly through leaf litter while foraging. Pairs maintain territories and build simple platform nests low in shrubs or small trees. Both adults participate in incubation and chick rearing, and the young leave the nest relatively early but remain dependent for a time.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant coos and mellow hoots that carry through dry forest at dawn and dusk. Also emits soft clucking or chuckling notes when moving through cover.
Plumage
Broadly gray-brown upperparts with warmer rufous to buff underparts, a long graduated dark tail with a slight metallic sheen, and a paler throat. Wings are duskier with subtle rufous tones; feathers appear soft and fairly loose on the body. Bare, vivid blue facial skin surrounds the eye.
Diet
Eats large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other arthropods. Will take small vertebrates like lizards when available. Supplements animal prey with fallen fruits, seeds, and occasionally berries. Forages by walking and probing or flipping leaf litter, with short dashes to seize prey.
Preferred Environment
Primarily the forest floor in dry deciduous forest and spiny thicket, especially areas with deep leaf litter and scattered understory. Frequently works edges, paths, and ecotones where prey is easier to spot, and may hop into low shrubs to glean.
