Coua gigas

(Boddaert, 1783)

Vernacular names
English : Giant coua
French : Coua géant

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Cuculiformes
Family : Cuculidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known

Identification
Total length of 62 cm for a weight of 415 g. Coloration mostly brown, becoming darker on tail. Throat and breast lighter, belly chestnut. Large naked skin patch around face, edged with black. Skin is blue with a purple area behind eyes.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Madagascar and occurs in the southern and western parts of the island. It lives in deciduous and gallery forest with sparse understorey, up to 800 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is locally common, especially in protected areas but is dependant on forests. Clearing of habitat is a major problem in Madagascar.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Weltvogelpark Walsrode (Germany)

 

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