Biology:Running coua

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Short description: Species of bird

Running coua
Running coua (Coua cursor).jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Coua
Species:
C. cursor
Binomial name
Coua cursor
Grandidier, 1867

The running coua (Coua cursor) is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is endemic to Madagascar .

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests.

Description

Adult running coau are approximately 34–40 cm in length.[2] Adults appear grey-green above, with a blue and pink face outlined in black and dark blue skin around the eye.[2] The back is bright pink, outlined by black feathers.[2] The running coau's breast is purplish.[2] Juveniles have similar coloration, although duller, and without black on the face.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The running coau is endemic to Madagascar, and is found to the south and south-west of the island.[2] Its typical habitat is sub-arid thorn scrub, spiny desert, dry woodlands, and low forest bush.[2] The running coau is not globally threatened.[2]

Behavior and ecology

The running coau is a terrestrial bird, typically found alone or in a pair.[2] It walks and hops on the ground, running when threatened.[2] Its diet consists of beetles, ants, spiders, and plants.[2]

The running coau breeds during the rainy season, and lays its eggs during October.[2] It nests in a bush about 2 meters above the ground, building it's nest of twigs and bark, lined with leaf stalks.[2]

References

  1. BirdLife International (2018). "Coua cursor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22684164A130094351. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22684164A130094351.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22684164/130094351. Retrieved 11 November 2021. 
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 Johannes Erritzøe, Clive F. Mann, Frederik Brammer, & Richard A. Fuller. (2012). Cuckoos of the World. Helm. Page 223.

Wikidata ☰ Q1270311 entry