This species of bird is placed in a separate order by itself due to the following features:
- The cuckoo roller is a medium-large bird.
- Unlike other roller species, male and female cuckoo rollers have different coloring.
- Cuckoo rollers have a short, stot bill.
- The eyes of cuckoo rollers are set back in the face.
- Cuckoo rollers have small legs and feet.
- Feet of cuckoo rollers have an unusual structure – two toes grow forward and two other toes – backward.
- According to IUCN, these birds are of the least concern (LC).
