Birds of Madagascar. 219 



the breeding-season. There is no difference in colour be- 

 tween the sexes. Their flight is heavy and awkward; in fact 

 the Couas do not make much use of their wings unless they 

 are obliged. 



The climbing Couas go from tree to tree, cocking their 

 tails, and making the solitudes of the forest resound with 

 their short sharp cry. Their habits remind one of the Magpie, 

 but they do not, like that bird, seek the society of man, 

 although they are not shy. They nest in high trees. 



The running Couas pass the greater part of their life on 

 the ground, flying very rarely. They are more distrustful 

 than their cousins the climbers, and one never hardly hears 

 their voice. Their tails, which are much more slender than 

 those of the climbers, trail on the ground, and are there- 

 fore always much worn. 



The Crested Coua [Coua cristata) is the only species of the 

 genus which is found all over Madagascar, at least wherever 

 there are woods. It has a variety of names, one of which, 

 Tivotse, says M. Grandidier, means " crested " or " tufted,^* 

 and refers to its appearance ; while others, as Amhosdnga, 

 " That-which-climbs,^^ and Aniisbma, '' That-which-loves-to- 

 play,^^ refer to its habits. Its Hova name, Fandikalalana, 

 • means " Road -crosser." 



The Blue Coua is very common on the east and north- 

 west coast, and also in the upper forest-belt. Its cry is a 

 harsh guttural sound like " Turruh,^' repeated twice or thrice. 

 It is a large bird, and is very conspicuous as it perches on 

 the trees. A wounded one was seen to use its beak like a 

 Parrot in climbing trees. Its cry is also said to resemble 

 the words Martha and Teso, which are two of its provincial 

 names. The forest people say that when its cry is heard the 

 day will be wet and drizzly. 



Verreaux's Coua is very rare, being only found at the 

 extreme southerly point of the island. Serres^s Coua is also 

 rare, and is only met with on parts of the north-east coast. 

 So also is Delalande^s Coua ; this bird goes from rock 

 to rock seeking the large land- shells which form its principal 

 food. These mollusks it takes in its beak and breaks the 



