MADAGASCAR 1995

MADAGASCAR ITINERARY


1995


Land of Endemics, Ground-Rollers and Lemurs.


Plates by W.T.Cooper

Short Legged Ground-Roller

Rufous-headed Ground-Roller

Scaly Ground Roller

Pitta-like Ground-Roller

Long-tailed Ground-Roller

The following photographs were taken by myself unless annotated in brackets

2^nd August       Departed London Heathrow to Moscow with Richard Fairbank and Nick Preston and then onto Seychelles International Airport for 1 hour stop. Arrived Antananarivo (Tana), where we met up with Barry Stilup and arranged with a local tour company out itinary and a car with driver. Late afternoon, departed for drive to Perinet Andasibe Forest Station, arriving there in the dark.

 3^rd August       All day birding at the Andasibe Forest Station.

The lodge at Perinet

Visit to the Andasibe Forest Station

View from the viewpoint at the Andasibe Forest Station

Tree Ferns at Andasibe Forest Station

4th August      All day Maromiza Forest with a late afternoon visit to the nearby Maromiza Marsh.

5^th August       Early morning visit to Maromiza Marsh and then drove back to Tana to catch internal flight to Maronasetra and booked into a local hotel with chalets. Birded in the hotel gardens and along the river at Maronasetra. Arranged for a early morning boat for the following day.

Tana internal airport on our way to Maronasetra

Waiting for our flight to Maronasetra

Maronasetra High Street

Maronasetra Lodge

Orchid in the Lodge's gardens.

                                                                                   

6^th August      2 hour boat trip from Maronasetra to Anbanizana and then spent the rest of the day birding in the Forest Reserve. Heavy rain all afternoon and evening. Camped overnight.

Boat Trip from Maronasetra to Anbabizana Forest Station.

Arriving at Anbanizana Forest Station and the climb up.

View taken on the climb up at Anbanizana shortly after this is rained

for the rest of our stay here.

7^th August       All day Anbanizana Forest Reserve, heavy rain all day made birding very difficult, also had damaged my left big toe which swelled up to twice its normal size and became very painful to walk. This toe lasted virtually the entire holiday and made life very difficult.

8^th August       Early morning Anbanizana with the return boat trip back to Maronassetra.

9^th August       Morning birding around Maronasetra and then internal flight back to Tana.

10^th August     Long drive from Tana, over the High Plateau to the Ampijoroa Forest Station arriving around mid-day. Nice fine dry weather and we visited a local marshy area some 17kms north of Ampijoroa. Camped for 3 nights at the Ampijoroa Forest.

Sunrise over the High Plateau

Long drive over the High Plateau to the Ampijoroa Forest Station.

11^th August     All day birding at the Ampijoroa Forest Station.

The dry forest reserve at Ampijoroa

Turtle Sanctuary for endangered Turtles at Ampijoroa

Marshy area near Ampijoroa

12th August    All day birding around the Ampijoroa Forest Station.

13^th August     Early morning birding Ampijoroa and then drove back over the High Plateau to Tana.

Our drive back to Tana over the High Plateau

14th August    Drove from Tana to Ranomafana National Park where we booked into a chalet.

15^th August     Roadside birding at Ranomafana with heavy rain all day and visited Vohiparara Marsh.

Ranomafana National Park

16^th August     All day birding in the Ranomafana National Forest, again rain all day.

 

River in full flow at Ranomafana

An attractive dripping bank at Ranomafana National Park

17^th August to  Birding in the Ranomafana National with visits to Vohiparara Marsh.
19th August

Another visit to Ranomafana National Park and making the most of the dry weather.

20^th August     Early morning birding on heathland and lake some 9kms west of Vohiparara with afternoon drive to Ranohira.

                                                                                   

Vohiparara Heathlands site for the Reunion Harrier

The long drive to Ranohira

Lorry off the road, seems like it has been there a few days looking

at the tent on the left hand side.

We had to make a detour

Our first views of the sandstone rocky outcrops

We stopped for provisions with local children playing outside the shop.

After the long drive we arrived at Ranohira

Our 5 star luxury accommodation 

                                                                            

21^st August      Early morning birding at Oasis and then drove to the nearby Zombitsy Forest where we stayed until dark and then drove to Tulear, and booked into a hotel.

Dawn at Ranohira before setting off to the Oasis

Our early morning drive out to the Oasis

Passing through a local village en-route.

Arriving at the Oasis

Now where is the Benson's Rock Thrush

Baobab tree in flower

Baobab tree flower

Leaving the Oasis behind

Outside our Hotel in Tulear

      22nd August    Drove from Tulear to Mora Mora and birded rest of the day in the Spiny Forest.

Leaving Tulear in the morning to Mora Mora

The drive out to Mora Mora

 

Mora Mora

23rd August    All day birding eith local guides in the Spiny Forest with a visit to nearby salt pans.

The Spiny Forest

24th August    Morning spent birding in the Spiny Forest and then moved onto La Mangrove Hotel

La Mangrove Hotel and surrounding area

25^th August to 26th August Birding around La Mangrove Hotel with long walk along the coastal footpath.

Our walk around the coast from the La Mangrove Hotel

27th August    Return boat trip out to Nosy Ve Island and the sand dunes at Anakao.

    

Views taken on Nosy Ve Island

Local fishing boat off Nosy Ve

28th August     All day around the La Mangrove Hotel area & coastal footpath.

Richard paying the bill

29th August     Visited the Tulear Airport Pool and then caught internal flight to Tana.

30^th August     Day visit to Perinet Andasibe Forest Station with local guide.

31^st August      Return flight back from Tana to London Heathrow, again stopping at Seychelles Airport.

Madagascar Little Grebe - Tachybaptus pelzelnii

Endemic

A single bird, seen very well, on the lake at Perinet on the 3^rd. Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Madagascar Little Grebe at Perinet (Taken by D.Cooper)

White Tailed Tropicbird – Phaethon lepturus

A real bonus as we unexpectedly stopped-off at Seychelles International Airport on the flights to and from Madagascar. Fifty were seen on the outward stop-off on the 2^nd but only 5 were seen on the return flight on the 31^st. They were best seen on the cliff face directly behind the Airport Terminal but also odd birds were seen flying high over the runway.

Red Tailed Tropicbird – Phaethon rubricauda

Fifteen of these exciting birds were seen on their breeding grounds on Nosy Ve Island on the 27^th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red-tailed Tropicbirds on Nosy Ve

Long Tailed (Reed) Cormorant – Phalacrocorax africanus

Only seen on the river at Maronasetra, with 1 on the 5^th, 30 from the boat on the 6^th and 1 on the 8^th.

African Darter – Anhinga rufa vulsini

Just one of the endemic subspecies vulsini was seen on the lake at Ampijoroa on the 12^th.

Black Crowned Night Heron – Nycticorax nycticorax

Four seen on the 5^th flying over the river at Maronasetra, with 8 on the 8^th and 1 on the 9^th.

Squacco Heron – Ardeola ralloides

Recorded on five dates, with a maximum of 25 on the marsh north of Ampijoroa on the 10^th.

 

Squacco Heron on the marsh near Ampijoroa

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis

Recorded on 15 dates, with a maximum of 60 on the 13^th.

Green Backed Heron – Butorides striatus rutenbergi

Recorded on 14 dates but never more than 3 on a day. Seen daily on the mud from La Mangrove Hotel.

 Green Backed Heron at La Mangrove

Black (Heron) Egret - Egretta ardesiaca

Small numbers recorded on 8 dates, with a daily maximum of 10.

Great White Egret with Black Heron at Ampijoroa Lake.

Whats going on, perhaps I will learn something new here!!

 

 

Black Heron at Ampijoroa Lake

Dimorphic Egret – Egretta dimorpha

Only recorded on 7 dates and chiefly from La Mangrove area. Both white and black morphs were seen, but the only blacks seen were at the coast. Daily maximum of 10 on the 25^th and 27^th.

 

Both colour phases of the Dimorphic Egrets at La Mangrove

 
Dimorphic Egret over Nosy Ve

Great Egret - Egretta alba

Recorded in small numbers on 13 dates with a daily maximum of 8 on the 5th.

Great White Egret at Ampijoroa Lake

Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea madagascariensis

Singles recorded on 7 dates with 6 on the 10^th on the marsh north of Ampijoroa.

Grey Heron – Ardea cinerea firasa

One seen on the 10^th at the marsh north of Ampijoroa and up to 4 seen on the mud at La Mangrove on the 5 dates we spent there.

Humblot’s Heron – Ardea humbloti

Endemic

This large Heron was only seen on the mud at La Mangrove on 4 dates but never more than 2 on a day. Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Humbolts Heron with Dimorphic Egret at La Manrove

 

 

Humbolt's Heron at La Mangrove

Hamerkop - Scopus umbretta bannermani

Just 2 singles seen from the road when driving on the 13^th and the 20^th.

Glossy Ibis – Plegadis falcinellus

A flock of 30 flew high over Ampijoroa on the 13^th.

Madagascar Crested Ibis – Lophotibis cristata urschi

Endemic

Seen well on two dates at Ampijoroa with 4 on the 11^th, and 2 on the 12^th.

Madagascar Crested Ibis disappearing into the dry forests at Ampijoroa

White Faced Whistling Duck - Dendrocygna viduata

Seen on 3 dates at Ampijoroa with a maximum of 52 on the 12^th.

White Faced Whistling Ducks at Ampijoroa

African Pygmy Goose – Nettapus auritus

This delightful goose was only seen on 2 dates, with 25 on a marsh on the drive to Ampijoroa and on the marsh to the north of Ampijoroa on the 10^th, with 10 on the 13^th on the same marsh on the return trip.

 

Pygmy Geese on marshy area near the Ampijoroa.

Meller's Duck - Anas melleri

Endemic

Just two seen on the 5^th, flying over the river at Maronasetra.

Considered Endangered by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Red Billed Teal – Anas erythrorhyncha

Four seen on the marsh close to Ampijoroa on the 10^th with a single bird flushed from Vohiparara marsh on the 15^th.

Hottentot Teal – Anas hottentota

Ten seen on the marsh north of Ampijoroa on the 10^th with 3 on the Tulea Airport Pool on the 29^th.

Madagascar Cuckoo Falcon – Aviceda madagascariensis

Endemic

Singles seen on the 16^th and 17^th near the suspension bridge across the river at Ranomafana. On the 16^th, it was sat in a tree drying after heavy rains.

Yellow Billed (Black) Kite – Milvus (migrans) aegyptius parasitus

Recorded on 9 dates often when driving with a daily maximum of 20 on the 10^th.

Madagascar Fish Eagle – Haliaeetus vociferoides

Endemic

A pair of these huge magnificent raptors were breeding around the lake at Ampijoroa and had at least one young in the nest. We saw them on 3 days whilst we were here.

Considered Critical by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Madagascar Harrier Hawk – Polyboroides radiatus

Endemic

Three seen on the 10^th and 11^th and 1 on the 12^th at Ampijoroa. Three on the 21^st at the Oasis and 1 on the 23^rd along the coast at Mora Mora.

Madagascar Harrier Hawk at Ampijoroa

Reunion Harrier – Circus maillardi macrosceles

Regional Endemic

A superb male was found on heath-land 9kms west of Vohiparara on the 20^th and gave good prolonged views.

Considered Endangered by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Male Reunion Harrier over the Vohiparara Heathlands

Henst’s Goshawk – Accipiter henstii

Endemic

A single bird (with others heard in the forest) was seen from the look-out at Ranomafana on the 18^th. Another bird, seen flying over the heath-land 9kms west of Vohiparara, on the 20^th.

(Madagascar Sparrowhawk – Accipiter madagascariensis)

Endemic

One seen sat in a tree at the entrance to Ranomafana on the 18^th, and two seen well at Perinet on the 30^th. They were initially identified as Madagascar Sparrowhawks, but after research they may very well have been Frances Sparrowhawks.

Frances’s  Sparrowhawk – Accipiter francesii

Regional Endemic

Two singles identified, but also see above Madagascar Sparrowhawk. The first on the 4^th sat in a tree at Perinet, and the second on the 18^th at Ranomafana.

Frances Sparrowhawk at Perinet

  

Madagascar Buzzard – Buteo brachypterus

Endemic

Recorded in small numbers of 12 dates with a daily maximum of 6 on the 19^th

Madagascar Buzzard over the Spiny Forest

Madagascar Kestrel - Falco newtoni

Regional Endemic

Recorded on 20 dates with a daily maximum of 25 on the 20^th. Both pale and dark phases seen with the dark morph considered the commonest.

 

 

Madagascar Kestrel at La Mangrove

Banded Kestrel - Falco zoniventris

Endemic

A pair gave close, stunning views on the edge of the Spiny Forest at Mora Mora on the 22^nd.

 

 

Banded Kestrel at Mora Mora

Madagascar Partridge - Margaroperdix madagascarensis

Endemic

A pair found on the ground on the edge of the heath land 9kms west of Vohiparara on the 20^th.

White Breasted Mesite – Mesitornis variegata

Endemic

A party of five were found skulking in the dry forest at Ampijoroa on the 11^th, and another five were seen behind the lake on the 12^th. Superb!!

Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int (2000).

White Breasted Mesite at Ampijoroa 

Brown Mesite – Mesitornis unicolor

Endemic

After much searching, a pair were located in the rain forest at Ranomafana on the 18^th. They did not give themselves away easily, although good views were obtained in the end.

Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Brown Mesite at Ranomanfana (Taken by D.Cooper)

Subdesert Mesite – Mesitornis benschi
Endemic
Two were found on the 22^nd and the 24^th in the spiny forest at Mora Mora. Amazing behaviour, when disturbed they would fly up in to a tree and freeze, one did so for up to half an hour before flying off fast with a whirl of wings.

Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Subdesert Mesites in the Spiny Forest

Madagascar Buttonquail - Turnix nigricollis

Endemic

Recorded on 7 dates with a daily maximum of 4 on the 11^th on a forest trail at Ampijoroa.

Madagascar Flufftail – Sarothrura insularis

Endemic

A single bird seen from down to 3 feet in a middle of a bush and proved to be one of the highlights of the trip. It was close to the entrance of Ranomafana on the 18^th. Others were heard calling here and also at Perinet.

Madagascar Wood Rail – Canirallus kioloides

Endemic

Two showed well in the forest at Ranomafana on the 17^th, with others heard calling here and at Perinet.

White Throated Rail – Dryolimnas cuvieri

Regional Endemic

Two of these large striking rails were seen well at dusk in a marshy area by the lake at Ampijoroa on the 11^th.

White Throated Rail taken at dusk by the lake at Ampijoroa

Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus pyrrhorhoa

A total of 6 seen on 4 dates.

Madagascar Jacana – Actophilornis albinucha

Endemic

Six seen, including immatures, on the marsh 17kms north of Ampijoroa on the 10^th.

Madagascar Jacana on Ampijoroa Marsh

Black Winged Stilt – Himantopus himantopus

Seen around the lake at Ampijoroa with up to 6 on a day and 8 on the Tulear Airport Pool on the 29^th.

Kittlitz’s Plover – Charadrius pecuarius

Seen at the Ampijoroa Lake with 9 on the 11^th, 6 on the 12^th. Eight were present at the salt pans at Mora Mora on the 23^rd, with 10 on the 29^th at Tulear Airport Pool.

Kittlitz's Plover at the salt pans at Mora Mora

Madagascar Plover - Charadrius thoracicus

Endemic

A pair performed exceptionally well on the salt pans at Mora Mora on the 23^rd, allowing very good views.

 

 

 

Madagascar Plovers at the Salt Pans at Mora Mora

Three Banded Plover – Charadrius tricollaris

Two seen at the Ampijoroa lake on the 11^th with 4 on the 12^th. A pair present on a small pool at Mora Mora on the 24^th.

Three Banded Plover at the Ampijoroa lake

White Fronted Plover – Charadrius marginatus tenellus

One seen on a sandbank from the boat as we left Maronasetra on the 6^th, with 5 on the beach at Mora Mora on the 23^rd and 3 close to Anakao on the 27^th.

White Fronted Plover on the beach at Mora Mora

Grey Plover - Pluvialis squatarola

Seen only on the mud from La Mangrove with 10 on the 25^th and 6 on the 26^th.

Madagascar Snipe – Gallinago macrodactyla

Endemic

Our only sighting was of a single bird flushed several times from Vohiparara marsh on the 15^th.

Whimbrel – Numenius phareopus

Recorded from coastal sites on 5 dates, with a maximum of 50 on the mud at La Mangrove on the 25^th.

Marsh Sandpiper – Tringa stagnatilis

A single bird present on the Tulear Airport pool on the 29^th.

Greenshank – Tringa nebularia

Recorded on seven dates, with a maximum of 30 on the 25^th at La Mangrove.

Common Sandpiper – Actitis hypoleucos

Small numbers recorded on six dates.

Curlew Sandpiper – Calidris ferruginea

Four seen on the Tulear Airport pool on the 29^th.

Kelp Gull – Larus dominicanus

An immature bird flew over La Mangrove on the 26^th.

Caspian Tern – Sterna caspia

Seen only in the La Mangrove area with 1 on the 25^th, and 26^th and 3 on the 27^th.

Greater Crested Tern – Sterna bergii enigma

One seen from the boat trip from Anbanizana on the 8^th. Seen daily at La Mangrove with a maximum of 20 on the 27^th.

Lesser Crested Tern – Sterna bengalensis

Five seen roosting on a sandbank with Crested Terns on Nosy Ve Island on the 11^th.

Whiskered Tern – Chlidonias hybridus sclateri

Ten seen on the marsh north of Ampijoroa on the 10^th.

Madagascar Sandgrouse – Pterocles personatus

Endemic

A pair showed very well both on the ground and in flight in the damp fields by the lake at Ampijoroa on the 11^th.

 

 

Madagascar Sandgrouse at Ampijoroa

Madagascar Turtle Dove – Streptopelia picturata

Regional Endemic

Recorded in small numbers on 13 dates with a daily maximum of 5 in the spiny forest on the 24^th.

Madagascar Turtle Doves in the Spiny Forest.

Namaqua Dove – Oena capensis aliena

Recorded on 13 dates chiefly in dry areas or when travelling. Maximum of 50 on the 10^th and proved to be common around the beach huts at Mora Mora.

 

Namaqua Dove at La Mangrove

Madagascar Green Pigeon - Treron

Regional Endemic

Recorded on 9 dates chiefly at Ampijoroa with 20 there on the 12^th. Small numbers also seen at Anbanizana and La Mangrove.

Madagascar Green Pigeon (taken by D.Cooper)

 
Madagascar Green Pigeon at La Mangrove

Madagascar Blue Pigeon - Alectroenas

Endemic

Only recorded from Perinet and Ranomafana forests, with a maximum of 30 on the 19^th, but otherwise only odd birds seen.

Madagascar Blue Pigeon at Ranomafana

Greater Vasa Parrot – Coracopsis vasa

Regional Endemic

Singles at Perinet on the 4^th and 30^th, with 3 at Anbanizana on the 7^th. Others almost certainly overlooked as best identified by call.

Lesser Vasa Parrot – Coracopsis nigra

Regional Endemic

Small numbers recorded on 15 dates with a daily maximum of 20 on the 7^th.

 

 

Lesser Vasa Parrot at Mora Mora

Grey Headed Lovebird – Agapornis canus

Endemic

Up to 20 on a day recorded on 11 dates, chiefly seen in drier areas.

 

Grey Headed Lovebirds near Mora Mora

Giant Coua - Coua gigas

Endemic

One seen very poorly from the main trail in Zombitsy Forest on the 21^st.

Giant Coua (Taken by A.N.O)

Coquerel’s Coua – Coua coquereli

Endemic

Two seen on the 11^th, and one on the 13^th at Ampijoroa.

Coquerel's Coua (Taken by A.N.O)

Running Coua - Coua cursor

Endemic

Just a single bird seen very well in the spiny forest at Mora Mora on the 22^nd.

 

Running Coua in the Spiny Forest

(Taken by A.N.O)

Red Breasted Coua - Coua serriana 

Endemic

One showed well at Perinet on the 30^th. We considered it to best of the couas.

Red Breasted Coua (taken by A.N.O)

Red Fronted Coua – Coua reynaudii

Endemic

One jumped up on to a bush by the side of the trial a few feet from us at Perinet on the 3^rd, and this proved to be our only sighting.

Our only Red Fronted Coua of the trip at Andasibe Forest Station

Red Capped Coua – Coua ruficeps

Endemic

Seven of the nominate suspecie showing the distinctive red cap performed well on the 11^th in the dry forest at Ampijoroa and two of the subspecies “olivaceiceps”, lacking the red cap, were in the coastal rag at La Mangrove.

(Most recent reports have recorded Running Couas from this site, but our photographs shows our to be Red Capped).

Red Capped Coua in the dry forest at Ampijor

Crested Coua – Coua cristata

Endemic

Recorded on 9 dates with a daily maximum of 10 on the 11^th at Ampijoroa. Also recorded from the following sites: Anbanizana, Zombitsy, Mora Mora, and La Mangrove.

Crested Coua at Ampijoroa

 

Crested Coua in the Spiny Forest

Verreaux's Coua - Coua verreauxi

Endemic

Only seen in the coastal rag at La Mangrove with 2 on the 25^th and 4 on the 28^th.

Verreaux's Coua in the coastal scrub near La Mangrove

Blue Coua - Coua caerulea

Endemic

Recorded on 10 dates with up to 3 on a day, chiefly at Perinet, Ranomafana, and Anbanizana.

Blue Coua at Ranomafana

Madagascar Coucal – Centropus toulou

Regional Endemic

Up to 2 recorded on 11 dates at various sites.

Madagascar Coucal at the Oasis.

Barn Owl – Tyto alba affinis

Just one seen, in the car headlights, on the night drive to Ranomafana on the 14^th.

Madagascar Scops Owl – Otus rutilus

Regional Endemic

A red phase showed well at Anbanizana on the 6^th, and another red phase was seen at Ampijoroa on the 11^th. A grey phase was seen at Zombitsy on the 21^st.

Rufous phase of the Madagascar Scops Owl at Anbanizana Forest Station

 

Rufous phase of the Madagascar Scops Owl at the Ampijoroa Forest Station

Grey phase of the Madagascar Scops Owl in Zombitsy Forest

White Browed Owl – Ninox superciliaris

Endemic

One re-acted well to tape playback at Zombitsy Forest on the 21^st. It started to call well before it was dark.

Marsh Owl – Asio capensis hova

One seen sitting on a grassy bank close to the road on the 14^th on the drive to Ranomafana. A real bonus bird which was not expected!!

Madagascar Nightjar – Caprimulgus madagascariensis

Regional Endemic

Up to 12 seen on a night during our stay at Ampijoroa, with 2 at Zombitsy on the 21^st, 3 on the 22^nd and 2 on the 23^rd in the spiny forest at Mora Mora, with a couple found during the day on the sandy track on the 25^th.

Madagascar Nightjar in the Spiny Forest

Madagascar Spinetail - Zoonavena grandidieri

Regional Endemic

Eight seen on the 3^rd at Perinet, with 6 on the 6^th, 8 on the 7^th, and 2 on the 8^th all from Anbanizana and 2 on the 30^th again at Perinet.

African Palm Swift – Cypsiurus parvus gracilis

Recorded on 10 dates, with a daily maximum of 20 on the 10^th.

Alpine Swift – Apus melba willsi

Two seen at Ranomafana on the 19^th, with 8 on the 20^th on the drive to Ranohira.

African Black Swift – Apus barbatus balstoni

Fifteen seen near Ranomafana on the 18^th, and 2 seen on the 21^st at the Oasis.

Madagascar Malachite (Malagasy) Kingfisher – Alcedo vintsioides

Regional Endemic

Up to 4 on a day recorded on 12 dates.

 

Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher at Anpijoroa

Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher - Ceyx madagascariensis

Endemic

Stunning views of 2 of these superb forest kingfishers were had at Anbanizana on the 6^th.

 

Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher at Anbanizana

Madagascar Bee-eater – Merops superciliosus

Good numbers were seen in open areas on 11 dates, with a daily maximum of 40 on the 10^th.

 

 

 

Madagascar Bee-Eater at Ampijoroa Marsh

Short-legged Ground Roller - Brachypteracias leptosomus

Endemic

A superb adult was found at Perinet on the 3^rd. It was sitting low down on a branch close to the forest trail and we enjoyed watching this individual for at least 30 minutes. On our return along the same trail later in the day, it was still sitting in the same place. One of the true highlights of this trip.

Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

 

 

Adult Short Legged Ground Roller at Perinet

Pitta – Like Ground Roller – Atelornis pittoides

Endemic

Seen very well at Ranomafana with one on the 17^th, and no less than 3 on the 19^th. Unfortunately, they kept just out of reach of my flash. Another superb species, and another highlight of this trip.

Pitta-like Ground Roller (taken by F. Vassen)

Rufous – Headed Ground Roller – Atelornis crossleyi

Endemic

A fine bird was seen well at Perinet on the 4^th, and another bird hopped up a bank right next to the trial at Ranomafana on the 18^th.

Rufous Headed Ground Roller (taken by C. Cohen)

Long – Tailed Ground Roller – Uratelornis chimaera

Endemic

After much searching, we finally say this in the spiny forest at Mora Mora, with a single bird on the 23^rd, but the following morning, a pair put on a stunning show for us. Another highlight of our trip!!

Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

 

Long Billed Ground Roller in the Spiny Forest

Cuckoo – Roller – Leptosomus discolor

Regional Endemic

Another fine species, with an amazing flight and call. Recorded on 9 dates but never more than 3 on a day.

 

Cuckoo-Roller at Ampijoroa Forest Station

 

Female Cuckoo-Roller at Ranomafana Nat. Park

Male Cuckoo-Roller at the Oasis

Madagascar Hoopoe - Upupa marginata

Endemic

One seen on the 11^th at Ampijoroa, with 1 on the 22^nd, and 4 on the 23^rd at Mora Mora.

Madagascar Hoopoe at Mora Mora

Velvet Asity – Philepitta castanea

Endemic

A brilliant adult male sat close to the forest trail at Maromiza on the 4^th. Two molting males were seen on the 18^th at Ranomafana and 2 females at Perinet on the 30^th.

Female Velvet Asity at Andasibe Forest Station, Perinet

Male Velvet Asity at the Maromiza Forest

Schlegel.s Asity – Philepitta schlegeli

Endemic

After many hours of searching, two were seen at Ampijoroa on the 12^th and 13^th, (three birds in total), including one fine adult male.

Poor Record shot of a distant male Schlegel's Asity at Anpijoroa.

Common Sunbird Asity – Neodrepanis coruscans

Endemic

Two seen feeding on flowering shrubs at Perinet on the 3^rd, with 1 on the 17^th, and 2 on the 19^th at Ranomafana.

Madagascar Bush Lark - Mirafra hova

Endemic

Good numbers recorded and were seen on a total of 10 days with a maximum of 40 on the 20^th.

 

Madagascar Bush-Lark at Zombitsy

Mascarene Martin - Pheadina borbonica madagascariensis

Regional Endemic

Up to 6 recorded on a day on 10 dates. It proved to be the first species identified on our arrival at the airport.

Brown Throated Sand Martin – Riparia paludicola cowani

Recorded in small numbers on 8 dates, with a daily maximum of 30 on the 20^th.

Madagascar Wagtail – Motacilla flaviventris

Endemic

Recorded in small numbers on 11 dates.

 Madagascar Wagtail at Perinet

Ashy Cuckoo-Shrike - Coracina cinerea

Regional Endemic

Recorded in small numbers on 11 dates chiefly in the forests.

Ashy Cuckoo-Shrike in the Zombitsy Forest

Madagascar (Black) Bulbul – Hypsipetes madagascariensis

Regional Endemic

Fair numbers recorded virtually daily.

Madagascar Black Bulbul in the coastal dunes behind Anakao.

Long-billed Greebul - Phyllastrephus madagascariensis

Endemic

Up to 6 recorded on a day on 10 dates.

Long Billed Greenbul at Ranomafana National Park

Spectacled Greenbul - Phyllastrephus zosterops

Endemic

Only recorded from Perinet and Ranomafana on a total of 6 days with a maximum of 8 at Perinet on the 3^rd.

Appert’s Greenbul – Phyllastrephus apperti

Endemic

Four of these terrestrial greenbuls were seen well at Zombitsy Forest on the 21^st. It is only known from two forest areas and Zombitsy Forest was being cleared at an alarming rate.

Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Grey-Crowned Greenbul – Phyllastrephus cinereiceps

Endemic

One seen on the 18^th, with 2 on the 19^th at Ranomafana. When seen well, this species was quite distinctive.

Red Tailed Vanga – Calicalicus madagascariensis

Endemic

Up to 6 recorded on 8 dates.

Rufous Vanga – Schetba rufa

Endemic

One seen briefly in amongst a flock of birds at Anbanizana on the 7^th, with 3 seen on the 11^th and 1 on the 13^th at Ampijoroa. This last bird sat the whole time perched above a pair of White Breasted Mesites. As the Mesites walked along on the forest floor, so did the Vanga move to another perch above them. This allowed me to follow the Mesites for some 100 yards, and when I lost them, I could quickly re-locate them by seeing where the Vanga was perched. No doubt, the Mesites were disturbing insects, which the Rufous Vanga could catch.

Male Rufous Vanga at Ampijoroa

Hook Billed Vanga - Vanga curvirostris

Endemic

A striking specie. Only two singles were seen, the first at Perinet on the 3^rd, and the second at Maromiza on the 4^th.

Lafresnaye’s Vanga – Xenopirostris xenopirostris

Endemic

Two single males seen in the spiny forest at Mora Mora on the 23^rd and 24^th, may have related to the same individual.

Pollen’s Vanga – Xenopirostris polleni

Endemic

One seen briefly but well in a bird flock at Ranomafana on the 16^th, and another probable there on the 17^th but only seen at a distantace.

Van Dam’s Vanga – Xenopirostris damii

Endemic

Three seen on the 11^th in the dry forest at Ampijoroa, one of which spent 10 minutes perched out in the open just a few yards from us.

Considered Endangered by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Female Van Dam's Vanga in the dry forest at Ampijoroa

Sickle Billed Vanga – Falculea palliata

Endemic

Another superb specie. Eight seen on the 11^th at Ampijoroa and on the 12^th a flock of at least 20 flew over me calling loudly at this site. A single bird seen on the 22^nd in the spiny forest at Mora Mora.

 

Sicklebill Vanga at Ampijoroa Forest Station.

White Headed Vanga – Artamella viridis

Endemic

Seen at Ampijoroa, with 3 on the 11^th and 1 on the 12^th. Two singles seen at Ranomafana on the 17^th and the 19^th, and 2 singles in the spiny forest at Mora Mora on the 22^nd and 23^rd.

Chabert’s Vanga – Leptopterus chabert

Endemic

The commonest vanga, with small numbers recorded on 19 dates with a daily maximum on 10 on the 4^th.

Chaubert's Vanga at Ampijoroa Forest Station

Blue Vanga – Cyanolanius madagascarinus

Endemic

This attractive vanga was recorded on 6 dates and proved to be commonest at Perinet with 12 on the 3^rd and 4^th, and 6 on the 30^th. One seen at Ampijoroa on the 11^th and 1 on the 15^th with 4 on the 17^th all from Ranomafana.

Blue Vanga at Perinet

Helmet Vanga – Euryceros prevostii

Endemic

Three seen well in a bird flock in the pouring rain at Anbanizana on the 7^th, made the trip to this area well worth while, even thou it rained virtually the whole time in this area. Probably the star bird of the trip!!

Considered Vulnerable by Birdlife Int. (2000).

Nuthatch Vanga - Hypositta corallirostris

Endemic

Seen at Perinet, with singles on the 3^rd and 4^th, with 3 on the 30^th. They were all part of a mixed bird flock. Two at Anbanizana on the 7^th again in a bird flock with Helmet Vangas.

                           Nuthatch Vanga taken directly into the light at Andasibe Forest Station      

Tylas Vanga – Tylas eduardi

Endemic

Singles seen on the 3^rd and 4^th at Perinet, with one on the 7^th at Anbanizana in the bird flock, 2 on the 17^th and 1 on the 18^th at Ranomafana.

Littoral Rock Thrush – Monticola imerinus

Endemic

Six of these fine birds were located in 20 minutes in the sand dunes behind the coastal village of Anakao on the 27^th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Littoral Rock Thrushes in the coastal dunes behind Anakao

Forest Rock Thrush - Monticola

Endemic

An adult male was seen at Perinet on the 4^th and a second adult male was seen very well at Ranomafana on the 19^th.

A distant male Forest Rock Thrush at Ranomafana National Park.

Benson's Rock Thrush - Monticola bensoni

Endemic

After two hours of searching, we located a male which responded to tape playback in a bushy gully at the Oasis on the 21^st.

Male Benson's Rock Thrush  (taken by AKO)

Madagascar Magpie- Robin - Copsychus albospecularis

Endemic

Recorded in small numbers on 20 dates. Two subspecies “inexpectata” and “pica” were identified.

Males Madagascar Magpie-Robins in the dry forests at Ampijoroa

Common Stonechat - Saxicola torquata

Only recorded on 5 dates, with a maximum of 10 on the 20^th.

White Throated Oxylabes – Oxylabes madagascariensis

Endemic

Another very difficult and skulking species to see. We finally found it at Ranomafana with 3 on the 16^th, and 1 on the 19^th, and a brief view of 1 at Perinet on the 30^th.

Madagascar Yellowbrow (Yellow Browed Oxylabes) – Crossleyia xanthophrys

Endemic

One seen very close and well as it worked its way through an open area close to the forest trail at Ranomafana on the 16^th.

Crossley’s Babbler – Mystacornis crossleyi

Endemic

A superb specie. A single bird spent some 10 minutes walking around us on the forest floor at Ranomafana on the 16^th. It was raining. And I had left my camera behind. A second bird was seen briefly here on the 19^th with others heard calling.

Brown Emutail – Dromaeocercus brunneus

Endemic

Another very skulking forest species, but luckily, they do re-act to tape playback. Our only sighting was of a single bird which eventually showed very well next to the trail at Maromiza on the 4^th. We also heard one calling at Ranomafana.

Grey Emutail – Amphilais seebohmi

Endemic

Two seen well on the 15^th and 1 on the 18^th at the Vohiparara Marsh.

 

Grey Emutail at Vohiparara Marsh

Madagascar Brush Warbler - Nesilla typical

Regional Endemic

Another very skulking specie, and many more were heard than seen. It was seen on a total of 11 days chiefly ones and twos but 4 were seen on the 22^nd along the coastal strip at Mora Mora.

Madagascar Brush Warbler at Mora Mora

Madagascar Swamp Warbler - Acrocephalus newtoni

Endemic

Three seen on the 4^th 1 on the 5^th, and 2 on the 30^th, at Moramanga marsh, with 1 on the 20^th at a marsh west of Vohiparara.

Thamnornis Warbler – Thamnornis chloropetoides

Endemic

An extremely skulking specie, and very difficult to see even when it was in a bush directly in front of us. Poor views obtained of 3 in the spiny forest at Mora Mora on the 23^rd. Even with tape playback, they only showed briefly.

Rand’s Warbler – Randia pseudozosterops

Endemic

This small warbler is easy to overlook as it is usually seen in the tree canopy. We identified one on the 17^th and 2 on the 18^th at Ranomafana with 2 at Perinet on the 30^th, but we must have missed others in the bird flocks.

Common Newtonia – Newtonia brunneicauda

Endemic

Seen in good numbers on 14 dates, and was one of the more commoner forest species.

Dark Newtonia – Newtonia amphichroa

Endemic

Another very skulking bird. Six re-acted to tape playback at Perinet on the 3^rd and 1 seen well at Ranomafana on the 17^th.

Archibold’s Newtonia – Newtonia archboldi

Endemic

After considerable searching without success, this specie quickly re-acted to tape playback in the spiny forest at Mora Mora on the 23^rd.

Madagascar Cisticola – Cisticola cherina

Regional Endemic

Recorded on 6 dates but never more than 2 on a day.

 

 

Madagascar Cisticola at Ampijoroa

Common Jery - Neomixis tenella

Endemic

I found this to be quite a confusing specie with several different looking subspecies, which proved troublesome when trying to pick out some of the other Jery species. It was one of the commonest flock birds, and we recorded it in fair numbers on 19 dates but we did not record it from the Northern area.

Common Jery at Ampijoroa

Green Jery – Neomixis viridis

Endemic

It took us many days before we were satisfied that we had actually seen this specie, although no doubt we overlooked it. One was seen well on the 19^th at Ranomafana with another single seen briefly at Perinet on the 30^th.

Stripe-Throated Jery – Neomisis striatigula

Endemic

We finally got to grips with this specie, when 2 showed very well low down in the spiny forest at Mora Mora on the 23^rd. We must have overlooked this at other sites.

Stripe Throated Jery in the spiny forest at Mora Mora.

Cryptic Warbler - Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi

Endemic

This new warbler has recently been discovered in the rainforests at Perinet and Ranomafana. Luckily it has a very distinctive song and call, which draws attention to it. We had the song on tape, and obtained excellent views of one singing back to tape playback, with a second being seen later. Both sightings were at a Ranomafana stake-out on the 19^th. This specie was finally described in 1996.

Cryptic Warbler (taken by A.N.O)

Ward’s Flycatcher – Pseudobias wardi

Endemic

Seen at Perinet with 8 on the 3^rd, 4 on the 4^th, and 1 on the 30^th. Also seen at Ranomafana with 1 on the 18^th, and 2 on the 19^th. A very attractive bird, but keeps mainly to the canopy and well out of my camera range.

Ward's Flycatcher at Perinet (taken by D. Cooper)

Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher – Terpsiphone mutata

Regional Endemic

Both white and rufous morphs seen of this lovely bird. Recorded on 13 dates with a daily maximum of 10 on the 3^rd at Perinet. Superb!!

Female Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher at Ampijoroa.

 

Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher at Ampijoroa

Souimanga Sunbird - Neactarinia souimanga

Regional Endemic

Common, and recorded in good numbers on 20 dates

Souimanga Sunbird at La Mangrove.

Long-Billed Green Sunbird – Nectarinia notata

Regional Endemic

Not as common as the previous specie, but still seen on 11 dates with up to 10 on a day.

 

Long Billed Green Sunbird at the Andasibe Forest Reserve.

Madagascar White-eye – Zosterops maderaspatana

Regional Endemic

Seen on 11 dates with a daily maximum of 50 on the 4^th.

Madagascar Mannikin – Lonchura nana

Endemic

Only small numbers seen on 6 dates with 4 seen at Mora Mora on the 22^nd and 4 at Perinet on the 30^th.

Nelicourvi Weaver – Ploceus nelicourvi

Endemic

This attractive forest weaver was seen in small numbers on 7 dates, with a pair nest-building at Anbanizana.

Sakalava Weaver – Ploceus sakalava

Endemic

Good numbers were recorded in drier areas always around habitation on 9 dates. All birds were in non-breeding plumage and there was a colony with nests hanging from trees in the village at Ampijoroa.

Sakalava Weaver at Mora Mora

Madagascar Red Fody - Foudia madagascariensis 

Endemic

Common and widespread. Seen on 15 dates including a roosting flock of 600 birds at Anbanizana. Most were in non-breeding plumage and one was also seen at Seychelles Airport on the 2^nd.

 

Madagascar Red Fody in non-breeding plumage at Maronasetra Lodge.

Madagascar Red Fodies at a drinking tap at Mora Mora

Forest Fody – Foudia omissa

Endemic

A male seen well at Maromiza on the 4^th, with 1 on the 15^th at Vohiparara and 2 at Perinet on the 30^th, were the only ones positively identified.

Common Myna – Acridotheres tristis

Common in scattered areas usually close to habitation. Seen on 7 dates with a daily maximum of 50 on the 5^th.

Madagascar Starling – Hartlaubius auratus

Endemic

Only seen on 2 days. Six seen in flight over Ranomafana with 3 perched up at Perinet on the 30^th.

Crested Drongo – Dicrurus forficatus

Regional Endemic

Common, and widespread, and recorded on 24 dates.

Crested Drongo at Ampijoroa Forest Station.

Pied Crow - Corvus albus

Common, and widespread, and recorded on 13 dates.

Pied Crow at Maronasetra Lodge

LEMURS ETC.

Brown Lemur

Two seen at Perinet with 6 seen at Ampijoroa on the 11^th and 4 on the 12^th.

Brown Lemurs at Andasibe Forest Station

Grey Gentle Lemur

Two seen at Perinet on the 3^rd, 4^th and 30^th, with 1 on the 16^th and 2 on the 17^th at Ranomafana.

 

 

Grey Gentle Lemur at Ranomafana National Park

Avahis or Woolly Lemur

Four seen at Perinet on the 3^rd.

Avahis at Andasibe Forest Station

Indri

One seen asleep at Perinet on the 3^rd.

Indri taken by ANO

Fat Tailed Dwarf Lemur

One seen on the 11^th and 2 on the 13^th at Ampijoroa

Fat Tailed Dwarf Lemur at Ampijoroa

Mongoose Lemur

Two seen on the 13^th at Ampijoroa.

Verreaux’s Sifaka

Five seen at Ampijoroa on the 11^th with 2 there on the 12^th.

Verreaux's Sifakas at Ampijoroa Forest Station

Diademed Sifaka

Two singles seen at Ranomafana on the 17^th and 18^th.

Red Bellied Lemur

Two seen at Ranomafana on the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th.

Red Breasted Lemur at Ranomafana

Great Bamboo Lemur

This very rare lemur, once thought to be extinct was seen at Ranomafana on the 18^th when a single was seen.

Mouse Lemur

A single came out at dusk at a stakeout at Ranomafana on the 19^th.

 

 

Lesser Mouse Lemur at dusk at Ranomafana

Ring Tailed Lemur

A single was present around the hotel at Mora Mora on several days.

Ring Tailed Lemur (Taken by D. Cooper)

Ring Tailed Mongoose

Up to 2 seen on three dates at Ranomafana.

Forest Red Rat

One was seen on the forest trail at Ranomafana on the 19^th.

Striped Civet

One was seen at Ranomafana on the 19^th at a stakeout at dusk.

Chameleon at Andasibe Forest Station

                                                                                    

Chameleons at the Andasibe Forest Station

Chameleon at Ranomafana National Park

Lizard at Ampijoroa Forest Station

Lizard on the Ranomafana bridge

Butterflies Orchids etc.

Butterfly at Perinet

Tree Orchids at Ranomafana National Park 

 

Sunset over the Indian Ocean