Coua reynaudii
The Red-fronted Coua (Coua reynaudii) is a striking, medium-sized bird endemic to the humid evergreen forests of eastern Madagascar, belonging to the Cuculidae family – the cuckoos. Measuring approximately 40-44 cm (16-17 inches) in length, this species sports a brilliant glossy dark green plumage on its upperparts, contrasting with a blackish belly and grey throat. Its most distinctive field marks are a prominent bare patch of blue skin around the eye, accentuated by a white supercilium, and...
Found exclusively in the humid evergreen forests and rainforests of eastern Madagascar, typically from sea level up to around 1500 meters in elevation, favoring dense primary and mature secondary growth.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as stick insects, beetles, and caterpillars, but also consuming small vertebrates like chameleons and geckos, and various fruits.
The Red-fronted Coua is primarily diurnal, actively foraging during the day and roosting solitarily or in pairs within dense foliage at night. Its foraging strategy involves agile movements through the mid-story and sub-canopy, gleaning insects and fruits from branches, but it also descends to th...
The Red-fronted Coua is strictly endemic to the eastern humid forests of Madagascar, extending from the northern tip of its range around Marojejy National Park southwards through central eastern regions. Its distribution includes well-known biodiversity hotspots such as Andasibe-Mantadia National...
Least Concern
- Unlike most cuckoos, the Red-fronted Coua is non-parasitic, meaning it builds its own nest and raises its own young. This is a defining characteristic of all coua species. - Its genus name, 'Coua,' is onomatopoeic, derived from the distinctive call of some of its relatives. - The vibrant blue b...