The Crested Coua (Coua cristata) graces the landscapes of Madagascar, a striking member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). This avian beauty thrives in the coastal regions of the island, its unique appearance and behavior distinguishing it in the avian world.
Medium-sized and averaging between 12 and 17 inches (30 to 44 cm) in length, the adult Crested Coua boasts a greenish-gray plumage on its back and a white abdomen. Its rufous-colored chest and brown eyes complement the regal aura it exudes. The bird’s defining features include its prominent gray head crest and vibrant turquoise and blue patches of bare skin encircling its eyes, adding a touch of color to its elegant ensemble. During flight, its rounded wings and long white-tipped tail create a distinctive silhouette.
The Crested Coua’s third toe is reversible, granting it a strong grip as it hops gracefully between high branches within the forest canopy. Though common within its range, these birds are often challenging to spot due to their greenish-gray coloration, which seamlessly blends with shadows, providing effective camouflage. Notably, males and females share a similar physical appearance.
Juveniles closely resemble adult Crested Couas, although they appear paler in color and possess shorter head crests. Moreover, they lack the characteristic bright blue and turquoise eye ring that defines the mature birds.
Young chicks are altricial, entering the world naked and reliant on full parental attention for their initial development. During this period, they exhibit unique red and white “bullseyes” within their mouths, potentially assisting parents in targeting their food delivery. This characteristic is thought to be especially helpful during darker hours of the day. These chicks also feature dark skin and a reddish bill at this stage.
Endemic to Madagascar, Crested Couas are the most widespread among all coua species. While their population numbers remain uncertain, they inhabit an estimated 562,000 sq km along the island’s coast. They can be found at altitudes as high as 900 meters above sea level, though they are most commonly observed around altitudes of 700 meters.
Thriving in coastal and deciduous forests, these birds also venture into open areas such as savannas and brushlands. Additionally, they occasionally inhabit mangroves and palm-dotted landscapes. They tend to avoid shrublands, preferring forest mosaics and croplands. Their arboreal nature leads them to occupy forest layers above five meters, and they typically nest around nine meters from the ground.
Renowned for their vocal nature, Crested Couas produce a variety of distinct calls in the wild. The most recognizable are the “laser gun calls,” piercing sounds that echo through the forest, and the doubled, wooden “touk-touk” notes. Other calls include the repetitive “koa-koa-koa” and the resonant “guay-guay-guay-guay-gwuck.” Their calls can serve as indicators of predator presence in the environment.
At sunset, these couas become more vocal, often engaging in a harmonious chorus with other species. During this time, they also elevate their head crest while calling, adding a visual dimension to their mesmerizing serenade.
