On March 28th, for the first time in Zoo Miami’s history, a crested coua hatched and is being raised at the zoo’s Avian Propagation Center! Crested couas are medium-sized tree-dwelling birds endemic to the forests, shrublands, and savannas of Madagascar. These long-tailed birds are from the cuckoo family and get their name from the distinct grey crest along with the sound of their call. Another distinct feature couas possess is brightly colored bare skin surrounding the eyes. They are weak flyers and prefer to hop or take short flights between branches in the trees. Couas feed on a variety of insects, fruits, berries, seeds, and small reptiles.
One of the most unique traits associated with couas is seen in the hatchlings. To draw attention from the parents and help guide them to where to place food, coua chicks have distinct red and white “bullseyes” in their mouths. When hungry, they will open their mouths widely and flash these very distinct targets while shaking their heads incessantly. The parent will then place the food on those targets, facilitating the hatchlings’ ability to easily swallow it.
Crested couas are listed as a species of least concern. However, their numbers have been decreasing due to habitat loss throughout Madagascar. The Avian Propagation Center is designed to work in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) community to increase the populations of rare, endangered, and underrepresented species.
🎥: Ron Magill
