Crested Coua

This is an image of a Crested Coua (Coua cristata). The Crested Coua is a meduim sized bird which is about the size of the robin or cardinal. It is... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Crested Coua

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees

Description

This is an image of a Crested Coua (Coua cristata). The Crested Coua is a meduim sized bird which is about the size of the robin or cardinal. It is native to the rainforests of Madagascar. This exotic bird eats bugs, snails and the like. These birds are very sensitive to intrusion so I had photographed it with a long lens. Normally the bird is not puffed up as it is, the only time it puffs up is when it feels that danger is near. The bird did not stay perched long after I had captured the image at a very respectable distance.

The Crested Coua (Coua cristata) is a medium-sized bird species belonging to the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) and is endemic to the island of Madagascar. Here are some interesting facts about the Crested Coua:

Appearance: The Crested Coua has a distinct appearance with a combination of colorful features. It has a long, curved bill, a shaggy crest on its head, and bright blue skin around its eyes. The plumage is predominantly grayish-brown, with a white belly and undertail coverts. It also has black and white barring on the wings and tail.

Habitat: This bird species inhabits various forested habitats, including rainforests, deciduous forests, and scrublands of Madagascar. They can also be found in plantations and cultivated areas with trees.

Feeding Behavior: The Crested Coua is an omnivorous bird that feeds on a diverse diet. Its food includes fruits, berries, seeds, leaves, flowers, insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally, eggs of other birds. It forages on the ground, searching for food items among the leaf litter or by gleaning from vegetation.

Vocalizations: The Crested Coua is known for its loud and distinctive vocalizations. Its calls consist of a series of deep, resonant hoots, often given in duets or choruses with other members of its species.

Behavior: Crested Couas are generally shy and secretive birds, spending much of their time hidden within foliage. They are agile climbers and spend a significant amount of time moving through trees and shrubs in search of food. They can also be seen sunning themselves on open perches.

Breeding: Crested Couas are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They build their nests in trees, constructing a platform of twigs and lining it with leaves. The female usually lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Both parents participate in raising the chicks.

Conservation Status: The Crested Coua is currently classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN. However, like many other bird species in Madagascar, it faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and human activities.

The Crested Coua is a beautiful and charismatic bird species endemic to Madagascar. Its unique appearance, vocalizations, and behavior make it a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts and researchers studying the diverse avian fauna of Madagascar.

Uploaded

March 19th, 2015