Blue Coua
Coua caerulea
Big, dark, long-tailed tree-dwelling bird. Like other couas, inquisitive and restless. Generally prefers to jump or flop through the trees, but sometimes makes long gliding flights with occasional explosive wingbeats. Found in eastern and northern rainforest. Most common call is a short, explosive “brr-dd-t”. Also gives a long, descending series of mournful “kwa” notes. Larger than Red-fronted and Red-breasted Couas, lacking red coloration, and is usually found high in trees, unlike those understory-dwelling species.
Identification
The bird's feathers are a deep blue and there is a distinctive blue oval area around the eye which is free of feathers. Like all cuckoos they have large feet, with a reversible third toe. It has a bulky silhouette and short, broad wings and long tail, all of which can be seen when gliding between trees. The average size of the birds is 48 to 50 cm (18.9 to 19.7 in) in length and 30 to 60 grams (1.1 to 2.1 ounces) in weight with the females slightly larger. The calls are evenly spaced ″koa koa koa″ notes and a brief ″brreee″.
Taxonomy
This species was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766. There was once twelve species of Coua but only eight or nine are still extant. The genus Coua derives from koa, the Malagasy name for a cuckoo. In French the bird is known as Coua bleu.
- Scientific name
- Coua caerulea
- Authority
- (Linnaeus, 1766)
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Coua
Range and habitat
This species is found in the forest of northwestern and eastern areas of Madagascar and is considered to be common.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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