The red-fronted coua is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
Region
Eastern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen humid forests along the eastern escarpment of Madagascar, from lowland to mid-elevation rainforest. It favors dense understory and leaf-littered forest floors where it forages by walking and gleaning. The species also uses forest edges and selectively logged areas if sufficient cover remains. It avoids open habitats and heavily degraded landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-fronted coua is a ground-dwelling cuckoo endemic to Madagascar’s humid forests. Unlike many cuckoos, couas build their own nests and raise their young rather than practicing brood parasitism. They prefer to run through dense undergrowth and only fly short distances when flushed. Their soft, whistled calls carry through the forest, especially at dawn.
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers to run
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense forest. Builds a simple stick nest low in shrubs or small trees and lays a small clutch which both parents tend. Displays include tail-fanning and soft calling during courtship.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers mellow, whistled phrases that carry through the understory, often in repeated series. Calls are usually given at dawn and dusk and may include soft duets between pair members.
Plumage
Mostly olive-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a whitish throat. The forehead to crown shows a rufous-red 'front' contrasted with a greyer nape. Bare facial skin around the eye is bluish, typical of couas, and the tail is long and graduated with darker central feathers.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars, gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. It also consumes spiders and other small arthropods. Occasionally it may take small vertebrates or berries when available, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor and in low understory, using cover to remain concealed. Often works along fallen logs, vine tangles, and dense thickets where prey is abundant.
