Madagascar has with 51% of its 209 bird species the largest percentage of endemic birds of any country in the world. Amongst common birds that live around the lodge are Scops Owls, Cattle Egrets, Guinea Fowls and Whistling Ducks.
Other species that can be found around Bushhouse include:
Vangas – Vangidae
The Malagasy skies are full of Vangas. Experts say that the Vangas of Madagascar, along with the Galapagos, could have helped inspire Darwin’s theory of evolution. Their beaks have indeed adapted over time to very specific environments. The East is home of the Hook-Billed Vanga (Vanga Curvirostris). You can easily recognise it by its black head, white marks on its wings, and grey, black and white tail. It measures 25cm to 29cm from head to tail. It feeds on frogs and chameleons.
Madagascar Red Fody – Foudia madagascariensis (endemic)
The feathers of the Red Fody change according to seasons. Most of the time, it has a red vermilion head, white chest and brown-greenish wings with black stripes. During mating and nesting, the male takes a “bridal” plumage when its feathers except the edges of its wings and tail turn red vermilion. It is a small bird which measures approximately 14cm from head to tail. The Red Fody is a gregarious specie that flocks sometimes by the hundreds. But in mating season, it is in couple or solitary. It feeds essentially on seeds, insects, caterpillars, spiders, and occasionally on the nectar of some flowers.
Crested Drongo – Dicrurus forficatus
The Crested Drongo is endemic and the only representative of its specie. It is characterised by an entirely black plumage, a spiky feathered quiff on the forehead and a long tail. The young Drongos though are dark brown with a white neck and without a quiff. Adults measure 26cm from head to tail. The Drongos live alone or in couple and have a very particular and funny whistle with three tones. They can also imitate other birds’ songs.
Madagascar Coucal – Centropus toulou
This large black bird has reddish wings and a long black tail. It measures about 45cm to 50cm from head to tail. The Madagascar Coucal edges its way easily across brushy terrain and sometimes appears to be crawling. You are most likely to see it hopping about on the ground as it seeks for food in low vegetation. It feeds on big invertebrate insects such as beetles, spiders and small vertebrates such as chameleons, lizards, fledglings as well as eggs.
Souimanga Sunbird – Nectarinia sovimanga
The slender Souimanga Sunbird measures 10cm from head to tail and has a grey-green coloured head. The female is slightly smaller. This active bird can be seen in small groups of 2 to 6 of its own kind or with different forest species such as the Malagasy white-eye, the Long-billed Green Sunbird, the Jery’s or the Newtonias. It hops on the ground and perches on flowers. Its flying is swift and precise. It is quite a talkative kind, singing all day long! It eats insects, spiders and nectar.
Madagascar Bulbul – Hypsipetes madagascariensis
With 24cm it is the largest of its specie. Except during nesting it is gregarious and lives amongst groups of 5 to 15, sometimes mixed with other species. In groups each bird repeats the song of the other, just like a chain reaction. It is very active and its flight is precise, easy and direct. The Madagascar Bulbul finds its food on top of trees, in the bushes and on the ground. It eats fruits and insects, mainly beetles.
Madagascar Wagtail – Motacilla flaviventris (endemic)
Another endemic chatterbox which is mostly seen on the ground. It is characterised by its slender silhouette, long feet, grey and yellow feathers and its dark white long tail. It measures 19cm in length. It is called the “Wagtail” because when searching for food, it walks fast on the ground shaking nervously its tail, then suddenly flutters swiftly on its prey. It feeds on insects and spiders.
Madagascar Bee-eater – Merops superciliosus
Due to its slender shape, short feet, long curved beak and green feathers the Madagascar Bee-eater is easy to recognise. It measures 27cm to 33cm from head to tail. These birds are a gregarious specie and can flock in groups up to 100 birds! The Madagascar Bee-eater is a great hunter: hidden it spies on its prey and suddenly flutters on it. It feeds mainly on insects. The Madagascar Bee-eater is also a talkative specie and has a very characteristic song.
Malagasy Kingfisher – Alcedo vintsioides
The Malagasy Kingfisher is only 15cm from head to tail and very colourful: electric blue on top, orange underneath, white neck, red feet and a long black beak. Its flight is very fast and direct. It is an aquatic specie, solitary and a fierce predator. Its feeds on invertebrates like insects as well as on vertebrates such as frogs and fish.
