File:Male_cuckoo_roller.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
Cuckoo-roller
Sign in to saveAlso known as Leptosomus discolor
The cuckoo-roller or courol (Leptosomus discolor) is the only bird in the family Leptosomidae , which was previously often placed in the order Coraciiformes but is now placed in its own order Leptosomiformes. The cuckoo-roller is at the root of a group that contains the Trogoniformes, Bucerotiformes, Piciformes, and Coraciiformes. Despite its name, the cuckoo-roller does not share close evolutionary origins with cuckoos or rollers.
Species
Least ConcernCuckoo-roller
species
via IUCN
Wikidata facts
- Mass
- 255
- Image
- Male cuckoo roller.jpg
Show 4 more facts
- Commons category
- Leptosomus discolor
- taxon name
- Leptosomus discolor
- Commons gallery
- Leptosomus discolor
- taxon common name
- Kirombo
via Wikidata · CC0
~5 min read
Article
8 sectionsContents
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Behaviour and ecology
- Status and conservation
- Relations with humans
- References
- Further reading
- External links
The cuckoo-roller or courol (Leptosomus discolor) is the only bird in the family Leptosomidae , which was previously often placed in the order Coraciiformes but is now placed in its own order Leptosomiformes. The cuckoo-roller is at the root of a group that contains the Trogoniformes, Bucerotiformes, Piciformes, and Coraciiformes. Despite its name, the cuckoo-roller does not share close evolutionary origins with cuckoos or rollers.
It is a medium-large bird, inhabiting forests and woodlands in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Three subspecies are described: the nominate L. d. discolor is found in Madagascar and Mayotte Island, L. d. intermedius on Anjouan, and L. d. gracilis of Grande Comore. Based on its smaller size, differences in the plumage, and minor difference in the voice, the last of these is sometimes considered a separate species, the Comoros cuckoo-roller (L. gracilis).