About Coua cursor A.Grandidier, 1867
Adults of running coua, scientific name Coua cursor A.Grandidier, 1867, are approximately 34–40 centimetres (13–16 in) long. Adult birds are grey-green on their upper bodies. They have a blue and pink face outlined in black, with dark blue skin around the eye. The back is bright pink, outlined by black feathers, and the breast is purplish. Juveniles have similar coloration that is duller, and they lack the black outline on the face. This species is endemic to Madagascar, and occurs only in the south and south-west of the island. Its typical habitats are sub-arid thorn scrub, spiny desert, dry woodlands, and low forest bush. The running coua is not globally threatened. It is a terrestrial bird, usually found alone or in a pair. It walks and hops on the ground, running when it feels threatened. Its diet includes beetles, ants, spiders, and plants. It breeds during the rainy season, and lays eggs in October. It nests in a bush about two metres (6 ft 7 in) above the ground, and builds its nest from twigs and bark, lined with leaf stalks.
