Leptosomatidae

views updated

Leptosomatidae (coural, cuckooroller; class Aves, order Coraciiformes) A monospecific family (Leptosomus discolor), which is a large, mainly grey bird. The male has metallic green and purple wings, the female is barred and spotted brown and cream. L. discolor has a stout bill, a reversible fourth toe, and a forehead crest which curves forward, partly covering the bill. It inhabits forest and scrub, feeds on insects and lizards, and nests in a tree hole. It is confined to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands.

More From encyclopedia.com