Long-tailed, long-legged understory bird. Has a red cap in most of its range and a brownish one in the southwest. Found in dry deciduous and spiny forest at low elevations in western Madagascar. Sometimes uses degraded forest. Rather shy, and quickly walks away from any disturbance. Most common calls are an explosive, ascending series of whistles and a low-pitched “hoo-hoo-hoo”. Similar to Coquerel’s and Running Couas, but has longer tail and legs, and lacks the rufous belly of Coquerel’s and the pink facial skin of Running. Smaller than Giant Coua, without its rufous belly and pink facial skin.