Bird
Madagascar Cuckoo-roller
Leptosomus discolorAlso known as Courol, Madagascar Cuckoo Roller
Cuckoo-rollers soar high above the canopy of Madagascar forests, delivering loud, whistling calls that echo across the treetops. Males display striking iridescent green and magenta upperparts paired with a pale grey front, while females feature cryptic brown plumage barred with heavy dark spots. Possessing unique evolutionary traits, these birds feature backward-set eyes that grant an expansive view while scanning foliage for chameleons and large insects.
Canopy DwellerEndemicVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyChameleons, Grasshoppers, Caterpillars
Predators
- Madagascar Harrier-Hawk
- Raptors
- Fossa
ThreatsDeforestation and habitat degradation
HabitatsRainforests, deciduous dry forests, and wooded savannas
Life span10–15 years
Classification
- FamilyLeptosomidae
- SpeciesLeptosomus discolor
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listening for Calls: Listen for whistling flight calls echoing over the forest canopy to locate soaring individuals.
- Canopy Scanning: Scan high perches in undisturbed forests where adults sit motionless while hunting.
Predator (c) Rob Foster, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Distant Relative (c) Frank Vassen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableCoraciiform Relative
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