Cuckoo roller
Cuckoo roller, (Leptosomus discolor), little-known bird of Madagascar and the neighbouring Comoros, named for its superficial resemblance to cuckoos but usually deemed the sole member of the family Leptosomatidae (sometimes treated as a subfamily of the Coraciidae [rollers]). It is about 43 cm (17 inches) long. The cuckoo roller is also distinguished by its zygodactyl feet, with each foot having two forward-pointing and two backward-pointing toes. Males are iridescent green above and gray below; females are brown above with tan and black spots below.
This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Cuckoo roller
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
12 November 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026