Verreaux's coua is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. According to a BBC documentary, it is found only near a salt lake in the southern part of the island. The lake is 16 km long but only a couple of metres deep. The area has been drying out for the last 40,000 years and the organisms living here have become adapted to conserve water.
Region
Southwest Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in semi-arid spiny forests, thorn-scrub, and dry coastal bush around the margins of Lake Tsimanampetsotsa and nearby lowlands. It keeps close to dense shrubs and euphorbia–didierea thicket, foraging mostly on the ground in leaf litter and open sandy patches. The species favors areas with scattered bushes that provide quick cover from predators. It is locally common where suitable habitat persists but very patchy because of its specialized requirements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Verreaux's coua is a ground-oriented cuckoo found only in the arid southwest of Madagascar, especially around the saline Lake Tsimanampetsotsa. Unlike many cuckoos, couas are not brood parasites and build their own nests. It is adapted to dry thorn-scrub, often running between bushes and making only short, low flights. Its bare blue orbital skin and long tail are classic coua features.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that prefers to run
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or found in pairs, moving quietly through scrub. Builds its own nest low in thorny bushes or dense vegetation. Both parents are believed to share incubation and care of the young. Territorial during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, resonant hoots and descending whistles, often delivered from within cover. Also emits short nasal clucks and chattering calls during close contact. Vocalizations carry modestly in still morning air.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with paler buff underparts, long dark tail with pale or whitish tips, and a subtly darker face. The feathers are smooth and fairly plain, aiding camouflage in dry scrub. Bare bluish skin surrounds the eye.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of insects such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, as well as spiders and small lizards. Also takes fallen fruits and seeds when available, especially in the dry season. Forages by walking and pausing to probe leaf litter and inspect low branches. Uses its long tail for balance while maneuvering through dense scrub.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages on the ground under thorny shrubs and within spiny thicket near lake margins. Will also work along open sandy flats with scattered bushes and in dry coastal bush. Often remains close to cover to escape quickly when disturbed.
