ebirdMadagascar cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) – This shy visitor offers a rare glimpse of local wildlife in the peaceful ornithological garden of the hotel-restaurant Au Bois Vert in Ivato, just near Antananarivo International Airport!
What does it look like?
The Madagascar Cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) is about 28 cm long. Its plumage is fine, gray-brown on the upper parts and lighter underneath. Its dark eyes stand out against a delicate face with balanced features.
Its song or cry
Its soft, regular call is easy to recognize—a melodious "goo-koo" punctuated by lighter notes, like a whisper gently rising from the foliage in the early morning.
An anecdote or fun fact
Cuculus rochii is a unique species: no subspecies are known. Remarkably, although it nests in Madagascar, it later migrates all the way to mainland Africa!
Where and when to see it in our garden?
Early morning at dawn or late afternoon are the best times to observe it. It is often perched in the trees around the lodge. It visits our bird garden during its breeding season, between October and February.
Why does he love our garden?
With its native trees and open areas, our garden offers exactly what it needs. As an insectivore, it easily finds food here. And even close to the hotel and Ivato airport, it seems to have found its haven of peace.
Tips for observing it
To have a chance of spotting it, settle near the shrubs early in the morning, speak softly, and keep your ears open—its gentle “goo-koo” will guide you. No need for fancy equipment; a simple pair of binoculars will do.
