Species profile
About this species
Couas are a genus of birds in the cuckoo family Cuculidae, endemic to Madagascar & the Comoro Islands. There are around 16 species, ranging from ground-dwelling to arboreal forms, many displaying striking iridescent plumage & vivid bare facial skin patches of blue or red. They are known for their distinctive calls & varied habitats across the island of Madagascar.
Found across a range of habitats in Madagascar including dry deciduous forests, rainforests, spiny thickets & open savanna woodland, depending on the species
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Couas with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning during the dry season (April to October) when vegetation is less dense & birds are most active foraging
Position yourself quietly near forest edges or clearings at dawn when couas are most active & vocal, allowing you to track their movements by sound before they become visible. Use a long telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture sharp detail of their colourful facial skin & plumage without disturbing their natural behaviour. For ground-dwelling species such as the running coua, set up low to the ground in areas of sparse undergrowth to achieve eye-level compositions that give a sense of intimacy & scale.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Couas
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.