The crested coua, or Coua cristata, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Cuculidae family and is native to Madagascar. This bird is most commonly seen along the island’s coastline. Due to its poor flying abilities, the crested coua is frequently observed hopping from branch to branch in treetop habitats.

The crested coua is distinguished by its greenish-grey back, thick grey head crest, rufous-colored breаst, white belly, and vivid turquoise and blue areas of exposed skin surrounding the eyes. Adults typically measure between 12–17 inches (30–44 cm) in length. They have a black beak and bill, brown eyes, and a long tail that is purple-blue with white tips. Their short, rounded wings and long tail with white tips make them easily identifiable in flight. Another unique feature is the reversibility of their third toe, which provides a firm grasp and allows them to navigate the high branches of the canopy with ease. Despite their widespread distribution, their greenish-grey plumage offers excellent camouflage, making them difficult to spot in nature.

There is little physical difference between the sexes, both of which share the same distinctive grey head crest and colorful patches of exposed skin around their eyes.

Juvenile crested couas are darker than adults and have a shorter crest. They also lack the distinctive turquoise and blue eye ring seen in adults. During their formative years, chicks require constant care and supervision from their parents. They are altricial, meaning they are born without feathers and are completely dependent on their parents. Interestingly, chicks have distinctive red and white “bullseyes” inside their mouths, which purportedly guide their parents on where to place food, especially useful in low-light conditions. Additionally, young birds have a crimson bill and dark skin.

The crested coua is a remarkable example of Madagascar’s unique avian biodiversity, with its striking appearance and fascinating behaviors making it a standout species within its native habitat.