madagascar (ultimate) rep 14 - birdquest · this year’s ultimate madagascar tour once again...

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Ultimate Madagascar 2014 www.birdquest-tours.com

Pitta-like Ground Roller at Mantadia (Chris Kehoe)

ULTIMATE MADAGASCAR

16 OCTOBER – 4/10 NOVEMBER 2014

LEADER: CHRIS KEHOE

This year’s Ultimate Madagascar tour once again served up a mouthwatering collection of Malagasy specialities including all of the Ground Rollers, Asitys and Mesites plus the spectacular Madagascar Cuckoo Roller and, for those who undertook the extension to the Masoala Peninsular where we found Helmet and Bernier's Vangas, all of the Madagascar Vangas too. All in all it was a hugely successful tour with good views of both Emutails, all of the stunning Couas, Malagasy Harrier at three sites, the rare Madagascar Sparrowhawk at two sites plus brief views of the very rarely seen Madagascar Serpent Eagle. Aside from the birds we found a fine selection of Lemurs while other mammals included Humpback Whales and a very obliging Fossa. The tour logistics ran relatively smoothly (though a late change to one flight time denied us the chance to search for Red-tailed Newtonia) and the weather throughout was generally fine and sunny.


The tour began with a long drive north from the capital, Antananarivo, to Ampijoroa. Although the primary objective was to complete the 10 hour journey in time for some evening birding we actually saw several excellent species along the way including a fine male Malagasy Harrier, a couple of Madagascar Partridges and, at the Betsiboka River crossing, two hawking Madagascar Pratincoles. Also seen during brief stops were Madagascar Bulbuls, Cisticolas, Bushlarks, Bee-eaters and others, all of which would become frequent sights in the coming days. Arriving at Ampijoroa we found Sickle-billed Vangas, Madagascar Hoopoe and Madagascar Turtle Dove in the parking area before boarding a small boat for a 90 minute cruise around Lac Ravelobe. The star attraction on the lake is the resident pair of Madagascar Fish Eagles which showed well, though just as welcome were our first Madagascar Pond Heron and a single Humblot's Heron, the only one we saw! Also seen near the lake were our first Lemurs in the shape of Coquerel’s Sifakas, Common Brown Lemurs and a Mongoose Lemur. After dark we went on a short night walk which produced good views of Grey-brown Mouse Lemurs and Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemurs.

Sickle-billed Vanga at Ampijoroa (Chris Kehoe) Just before dawn we began our exploration of the forest at Ampijoroa. Our first big target, the stunning Schlegel's Asity, gave itself up quite quickly and we enjoyed good views of a pair attending a part built nest. Other new species came thick and fast with Long-billed Bernierias, Madagascar Paradise Flycatchers, Rufous and Blue Vangas and Madagascar Green Pigeon all showing well. After breakfast back at the lodge, during which Coquerel’s Sifakas and our first Madagascar Buzzard performed nicely, we set off to explore another area of forest in search of several localised species. Coquerel’s and Crested Couas showed well, as did a pair of Madagascar Buttonquails before we eventually found the first of our major targets when a Red-capped Coua appeared near the trail. While watching this another target, Van Dam's Vanga, began calling


and we quite soon tracked down a pair that eventually proved very obliging. A roosting Torotoroka Scops Owl showed at close range as we searched for our final target, White-breasted Mesite. The mesites were playing hard to get but a group of three were eventually encouraged to cross the trail in front of us. After lunch, a short drive and walk took us to a small lake where the hoped-for Madagascar Jacanas were easily seen and also present were a White-throated Rail, two African Pygmy Geese and a Madagascar Pond Heron. We then set off to Majunga where we arrived just before dark.

Torotoroka Scops Owl and Madagascar Fish Eagle at Ampijoroa (Chris Kehoe) After a leisurely breakfast we drove the short distance to the coast where a boat was waiting to take us to the Betsiboka Estuary. An hour later we were watching both of our top targets there as four Bernier's Teal and the first of up to 25 Malagasy Sacred Ibises were found on the muddy fringes of mangrove covered islands. Dimorphic Egrets were abundant and shorebirds were also numerous, the undoubted pick of the latter being several Crab Plovers (unusual here) but the many Terek Sandpipers were also much appreciated as were , several Saunders's Terns. We were back on shore in plenty of time for lunch, during which word came through that our flight back to Tana was to be delayed by four hours. We took advantage of this delay by visiting a nearby lake where Madagascar Mannikins and Hottentot Teal were new and we found lots of African Pygmy Geese and others. The flight to Tana eventually departed and we arrived at our hotel near the airport in time for a late dinner. After an early breakfast we drove across town to Lac Alarobia where masses of waterfowl were gathered and the heronry was in full swing. Amongst the numerous Red-billed Teal and White-faced Whistling Ducks we found a few Comb Ducks and Hottentot Teals but the real prize was six Meller's Ducks, an infrequent visitor to this urban site. The heronry held a couple of smart Madagascar Pond Herons plus lots of Squacco Herons, Western cattle and Dimorphic Egrets. Also new here were Madagascar Brush Warblers while we enjoyed improved views of the likes of Mascarene Martin, Black Heron and Red Fody. The rest of the morning was spent driving east to Perinet with a short stop at the Mangoro River en route where a single Madagascar Pratincole gave decent scope views. After lunch we visited Perinet Special Reserve, a short diversion first saw us watching a family group of Madagascar Owls at the roadside with our first Indris at the same place. Once inside the reserve we hastened to a nest site of a Collared Nightjar and enjoyed stunning views of the bird at just a few metres range. Nearby a Red-fronted Coua showed well and we also saw a skulky White-throated Oxylabes and a Couple of Madagascar Blue Pigeons before torrential rain and hail started to fall and we got a thorough soaking as we retreated towards our lodge to dry off.


Collared Nightjar at Perinet (Chris Kehoe) After an early breakfast we were on our way to Mantadia NP, arriving there a couple of hours later having made a couple of short stops en route to view Madagascar Starling, Green Jery, Rand's Warbler, Blue Coua and Lesser Vasa Parrot. At the parking area at Mantadia a Henst's Goshawk flew over and a few Madagascar Spinetails were hawking. Once on the trails we soon found a pair of lovely Pitta-like Ground Rollers but a nearby Scaly Ground Roller was too brief for most. A pair of Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs posed nicely and a fast moving flock contained Wedge-tailed Jery and Spectacled Tetraka but the views were rather brief. Next up came a big surprise in the shape of a Fossa, Madagascar's top carnivore, that sat in a tree staring at us before sloping off into the steamy forest. Next up was a roosting Rainforest Scops Owl that showed beautifully. We continued our search for Ground Rollers without success but in the process did find our first Tylas Vangas and, better still, a pair of Nuthatch Vangas. A big surprise, though rather unsatisfying in terms of views, was a Madagascar Serpent Eagle seen in flight a couple of times and very briefly perched. As we returned towards the road for lunch a Madagascar Wood Rail gave a series of brief views. Just before lunch we watched a Madagascar Little Grebe on a tranquil forest pool as a pair of Ward's Vangas sat on a nearby treetop. After lunch we set off in pursuit of a Short-legged Ground Roller, an adventure that included a piggy-back ride across a river and a strenuous hike up a steep forested hill before we finally enjoyed fabulous views of this excellent species. The return journey to our lodge was punctuated by stops to view a sneaky Madagascar Flufftail, a Madagascar Rail and a Madagascar Ibis that we were fortunate to chance upon sitting in an open area at the roadside. It had been quite a day! Next morning we returned to Mantadia with a short list of remaining local specialities in mind. A brief stop to look for Common Sunbird Asity proved successful but the views up in the canopy left something to be desired. Soon afterwards, but not before we had scoped our first Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo, we were off in pursuit of our top target for the morning, Scaly Ground Roller, but were soon distracted by superb views of a Pitta-like Ground Roller. Resuming our search we quite quickly found our target which gave a series of brief views to most. It took several more hours of searching before everyone had a satisfactory view of this star bird but in the process we added a smart little Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher to our list and had improved views of a the likes of White-throated Oxylabes and Tylas Vanga. A good bird party was then found and although it contained nothing new it was good to get repeat views of the likes of Blue, White-headed and Nuthatch Vangas. After lunch we drove out of Mantadia and visited the VOI Reserve where the hoped-for Red-breasted Coua was found, though as it was sitting on a high nest the views, mainly of its tail, were


rather disappointing. Our resourceful guides saved the day by magically appearing with a ladder allowing everyone greatly improved views of the sitting bird! Rain was threatening so we returned towards our vehicles rather than risk another soaking and as cloud continued to build we watched Madagascar Green Pigeons and a very obliging Madagascar Flufftail near the VOI car park.

Short-legged Ground Roller at Mantadia (Chris Kehoe)

We spent the whole of the next morning at Perinet Special Reserve in search of a few remaining species. Madagascar Wood Rails showed much better than previously and our first major target, Madagascar Sparrowhawk, posed very well for the scope near its nest. We made a short diversion to view another Collared Nightjar on its nest before going to look at a very obliging troop of Diademed Sifakas. It took a long time, and a lot of walking, before we eventually found a much-wanted Velvet Asity and nearby a Common Sunbird-asity showed well, at one point right next to a Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher! After lunch back at the lodge we visited an area of swamp and ricefields but despite the best efforts of our local guides there was no sign of any Madagascar Snipes, though Madagascar Swamp Warblers showed well and the Madagascar Ibis was again on view as we returned towards the lodge. a final stop gave us further views of a juvenile Madagascar Owl.


Madagascar Sparrowhawk at Perinet (Chris Kehoe)

With a few hours at our disposal before moving on we returned to the VOI Reserve in the morning and searched in vain for Crossley's Vanga, though compensation came in the shape of a showy Red-fronted Coua and a couple of showy Frances's Sparrowhawks. The rest of the day was taken up with a drive via Tana to Antsirabe for an overnight stay. The next morning we continued our journey south towards our next base at Ranamofana. A stop near Ambositra provided just one of the group with a brief flight view of a Madagascar Snipe despite an extended search. We finally arrived at our hotel mid-afternoon and after dropping off our bags set off to Amboditanemena where we enjoyed some good views of Grey Emutails. Back at Ranomafana we had a short night walk along the road seeing a Brown Mouse Lemur and a few chameleons.


Our first full day at Ranomafana commenced with a visit to the main reserve where our primary target was Brown Mesite. As we explored the network of trails we found Pitta-like Ground Roller, Dark Newtonias, Grey-crowned Tetrakas and Golden Bamboo Lemurs and visited an active nest of a Pollen's Vanga where a male appeared to feed two well grown chicks. Soon afterwards we heard Mesites calling in the distance and after a circuitous hike found ourselves overlooking a small streambed as our team of herders gently ushered a pair of Brown Mesites into view and we watched them on and off for 15 minutes. Red-bellied Lemurs were seen as we returned towards the bus but our efforts to find Crossley's Vanga left us empty-handed again. A short drive then took us to Vohiparara National Park where we ate our picnic lunch before hiking up to the nest site of a pair of Yellow-bellied Sunbird Asitys. It took quite a while to get satisfactory views of the birds but eventually a male settled in view for a few moments. As we descended towards the bus a Madagascar Yellowbrow was coaxed into view and Milne-Edwardes's Sifakas were seen but once again Crossley's Vangas were conspicuous by the silence. Back at the bus we drove to an area of ricefields near the village of Vohiparara where a couple of Madagascar Snipes were seen well in flight.

Souimanga Sunbird at Ranomafana (Chris Kehoe)

Our second day at Ranomafana saw us returning to Vohiparara where we began the day watching a Cryptic Warbler singing from an exposed perch on a high hillside but giving reasonable scope views. Nearby a pair of Meller's Ducks were a surprise find on the river but we soon entered the forest and began our search for Rufous-headed Ground Roller. This can be a tricky species to find and even harder to see well but we were in luck today when one appeared at the trail side then sat on a low branch calling back at us for a few minutes. We spent much of the rest of the morning searching for Crossley's Vanga and Brown Emutail but neither was at all cooperative though we briefly heard the latter. Velvet Asitys were seen well however and a few other bits and pieces were found including a very obliging female Forest Rock Thrush. After lunch at our lodge we returned once more to Vohiparara but once again Crossley's Vanga evaded us though one was at least heard briefly. Wedge-tailed Jery was a catch-up species for most and Grey-crowned Tetrakas were


seen well, as we returned towards the bus a Pitta-like Ground Roller showed beautifully just as the light began to fade. With a couple of hours available before we began the long drive west to Isalo we returned once more to Vohiparara, our final chance to find the hitherto elusive Crossley's Vanga and Brown Emutail. The weather, overcast with steady heavy drizzle, didn't offer much encouragement but we returned to the bus having enjoyed very reasonable views of both species, much to everyone’s relief and, it should be said, surprise! The rest of the day was spent driving to Isalo, a long journey punctuated by impressive landscapes and a quick stop on the Horombe Plateau to admire a very obliging male Malagasy Harrier. Just before the turnoff to our fancy hotel at Isalo we diverted to the Isalo Museum where the hoped-for Benson's Rock Thrushes gave excellent views and we watched a spectacular sunset amidst the sandstone outcrops.

Longer drives are often enlivened by dramatic landscapes, here east of Ihosy (Chris Kehoe) A search of the surrounding area for Madagascar Partridge early the next morning left us empty-handed and we were soon on our way east towards Zombitse Forest where we arrived 90 minutes later. We were taken immediately to see a very obliging White-browed Hawk Owl that glared down at us. Lots of Madagascar Black Swifts were overhead with a couple of Madagascar Spinetails and Alpine Swifts mixed in. Once on the main trail system it didn't take long to find some inquisitive Verreaux's Sifakas and shortly afterwards our main target, Appert's Tetraka was on view. Further exploration gave us several Coquerel’s Couas and eventually a single, but rather brief, Giant Coua while Blue and Rufous Vangas and a roosting Hubbard's Sportive Lemur were also found. After a picnic lunch we continued our journey eastward and reached the coast at Tulear a couple of hours later. After dropping off our bags and freshening up for a few minutes we visited the nearby tablelands where a hike through the scrub produced fine views of a pair of Red-shouldered Vangas that our local guides herded towards us. Our remaining top target, Verreaux’s Coua, proved more difficult but while searching for it we did find our first Running Couas and several other bits and pieces. Moving on to a different area of scrub produced almost immediate results when a Verreaux’s Coua popped up on a nearby bare treetop and performed nicely for a long as we wished.


White-browed Hawk Owl at Zombitse and Red-shouldered Vanga near Tulear (Chris Kehoe) We began the next morning with a short drive to an area where Madagascar Sandgrouse regularly come to drink and soon after arrival were enjoying extended views of two female-type birds on the ground and later in flight right overhead. Satisfied with this we returned to Tulear where Zebu carts were waiting to transport us to a waiting boat which then took us to the island of Nosy Ve where we arrived about 40 minutes later after smooth crossing. Even before we stepped ashore we were watching a flock of Crab Plovers that were roosting at the north end of the island in the company of a few Greater and Lesser Crested Terns and Saunders's Terns. After disembarking and enjoying good scope views we walked to the south end of the island where there is a famous colony of Red-tailed Tropicbirds, the birds showed to perfection, both in flight and under the bushes where they were nesting. A short boat ride then took us to the village of Anakao where our target bird, Littoral Rock Thrush, was immediately found and we went on to have fine views of a pair while sipping cool drinks at a hotel bar.

Crab Plovers (and Lesser-crested Tern) on Nosy Ve (Chris Kehoe) After returning to Tulear we ate lunch and waited for the temperature to subside a little before driving north towards Ifaty. A stop for 40 minutes at Tulear Lakes gave us large numbers of Curlew Sandpipers and Kittlitz's Plovers plus a few Red-billed and Hottentot Teals and our first Little Grebes. A couple of Painted Snipes were seen in flight and then on the ground briefly though largely obscured by dense reeds. Pressing on we reached the favoured area of the rare Madagascar Plover on the desiccated salt flats south of Ifaty and were soon enjoying good scope views of two birds. With this key target seen so quickly we had time for


quick first visit to the spiny forest nearby where we had great views of Long-tailed Ground Roller and a Banded Kestrel before the light began to fade and we drove to our nearby hotel for a two night stay. Madagascar Nightjars were very vocal as we ate dinner with a couple seen briefly in the spotlight.

Baobabs at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe) After further views of Madagascar Nightjars we were back in the spiny forest before sunrise the next morning with a small but select set of remaining targets in mind. First up were a pair of Archbold's Newtonias that eventually settled down and gave fine views, as did another bird later on. A Subdesert Mesite sitting on a nest was an easy addition to our list while a pair of Lafresnay's Vangas were also attending a nest allowing good views. Our final target, Brown-capped Coua, was eventually tracked down too and showed extremely well. Crested Couas and several other bits and pieces were also seen before we returned to our hotel for breakfast, the time still only 7.30 but the temperature rising rapidly. We sat out the heat of the day before returning to the spiny forest in late afternoon to enjoy repeat views of several previously seen species such as Long-tailed Ground Roller and Subdesert Mesite. A Running Coua was watched on its nest and we also saw a Sportive Lemur species and a few chameleons and snakes. A final visit to the spiny forest the next morning saw us targeting a couple of species only seen relatively poorly previously and we thus enjoyed greatly improved views of Madagascar Harrier-Hawks and dapper pair of Hook-billed Vangas. Also seen before we escaped from the heat were Banded Kestrel, Running, Crested and Brown-capped Couas. After lunch we retraced our journey to Tulear with a stop along the way to watch several smart Three-banded Plovers of the distinctive (and sometimes split) local race. At Tulear Lakes we found essentially the same species as last time with a couple of people seeing a brief Painted Snipe again.


Long-tailed Ground Roller at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe) The whole of the next morning was taken up flying first back to Tana then southwards to Fort Dauphin where a bus was waiting to transport us along the bumpy road to Berenty. We arrived at Berenty in time for a little exploration of the gallery forest where it didn't take long to find two very cooperative Giant Couas, a catch-up species for most. Ring-tailed Lemurs were in abundance and we also saw several Verreaux’s Sifakas, including a couple dancing across the trail. After dark we had a short night walk in the nearby spiny forest where several Grey-brown Mouse Lemurs and a few White-footed Sportive Lemurs were found and some had brief views of a Torotoroka Scops Owl.

Banded Kestrel and Grey-headed Lovebird at Ifaty and White-footed Sportive Lemur at Berenty (Chris Kehoe)


Ring-tailed Lemurs at Berenty (Chris Kehoe) Much of the next morning was spent exploring the gallery forest trails at Berenty where we were lucky to find a Madagascar Cuckoo-hawk which showed briefly but well. Also seen were two Western Barn Owls, further Giant Couas, lots of Crested Couas, Frances's Sparrowhawks, Hook-billed Vanga and many more previously seen species plus numerous Lemurs where found. After lunch we returned to Fort Dauphin where the final hour of daylight was spent on the headland in search of Madagascar Gull. No gulls appeared for us though we did see a couple of Brown Skuas and several distant Humpback Whales. Bad news from Air Madagascar arrived this evening, our flight the next day had been brought forward to early morning, thus scuppering our plans to visit Andohahela NP in search of Red-tailed Newtonia.

Giant Coua at Berenty (Chris Kehoe)


Next morning we had a very brief return visit to the headland at Fort Dauphin and were relieved to find three Madagascar Gulls which showed well in flight. We were back in Tana by 9am where we scanned in vain for Sooty Falcon at the airport before retiring to our nearby hotel for a short rest and lunch. In the afternoon we made an unscheduled visit to Tana Zoo where a sizeable heronry, a couple of Madagascar Kingfishers and a Madagascar Hoopoe were in the grounds and we saw plenty of well-kept looking animals and birds. Those undertaking the tour extension drove to Anjozorobe the next morning where we spent the day at Saha Forest Camp and in the adjacent forest. The highlight here was greatly improved views of Henst's Goshawk but it was also good to reacquaint ourselves with Pitta-like Ground Roller and a few other bits and pieces. The next morning we returned to Tana, and grappled with the rush hour traffic, where our flight to Maroansetra was delayed for a couple of hours due to an oil leak in one of the engines. Eventually we reached our destination and after dropping off our bags set off on a short boat trip through the local backwaters where a Crab Plover was a surprise find and White-throated Rail and Western Barn Owl were also notable.

Madagascar Pratincoles at Nosy Mangabe en route to Masoala (Chris Kehoe) The next morning we set off early by motor launch and reached our lodge on the Masoala Peninsular a couple of hours later with a stop to admire nesting Madagascar Pratincoles en route. After dropping off our bags we quickly set off on the trails and 30 minutes later reached the nest site of our priority target, the incomparable Helmet Vanga. The nest contained three half grown chicks and the adults returned regularly to attend to them giving excellent views. After satisfying ourselves we set-off back gowa4ds the lodge but soon stopped to admire the male Helmet Vanga which was sitting quietly on a low branch right next to the trail. Just around the corner we bumped into a pair of Short-legged Ground Rollers that just sat there waiting to be photographed. A furtive Red-fronted Coua and a spectacular Parson's Chameleon were also seen before we returned to the lodge for lunch and to cool off. In the afternoon we visited the trails behind the lodge but apart from a Madagascar Ibis flushed as we past and some uncooperative White-fronted Brown Lemurs it was very quiet.


Helmet Vanga at Masoala (Chris Kehoe) After breakfast and a short boat ride we set off inland along the trails near Tampolo and after about 40 minutes reached a small clearing where we quickly found a few Madagascar Starlings before settling down to wait for Bernier's Vangas to appear which they duly did about an hour later and gave a series of good views. Nearby two Red-breasted Couas performed while the return walk to our waiting boat gave us a nice mixed flock containing Blue, Rufous and White-headed Vangas. In the afternoon we visited the trails a little to the north of our lodge where the chief highlight was a very smart Scaly Ground Roller. Our final day at Masoala commenced with a return visit to the Varigena area where a small feeding flock contained Spectacled Tetrakas, Long-billed Bernierias, White-throated Oxylabes, Madagascar Cuckooshrikes and a Helmet Vanga. At the Helmet Vanga nest the three chicks were still doing well and Red-ruffed Lemurs showed well on a couple of occasions. In the afternoon we revisited the trails to the north of our lodge where we finally had some decent views of White-fronted Brown Lemurs and a few other bits and pieces.


After an early breakfast we returned to Maroansetra, seeing our only Common Tern and some Bottle-nosed Dolphins during a smooth crossing. Our flight to Tana was on time and the tour ended with our arrival there in the late morning Bird of the trip 1= Pitta-like Ground Roller 1= Helmet Vanga 3 - Short-legged Ground Roller 4 = Velvet Asity 5= Rufous-headed Ground Roller 5= Scaly Ground Roller

Fossa at Mantadia, the mammal of the trip (Chris Kehoe)


Subdesert Mesite at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe) SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR The species names and taxonomy used in the report mostly follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). IOC World Bird Names. This list is updated several times annually and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org. Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g. it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species). Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Several at Berenty, heard at Masoala. Madagascar Partridge ◊ Margaroperdix madagarensis Three north of Tana. White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Noted on 10 dates at widespread sites. Knob-billed Duck (Comb D) Sarkidiornis melanotos Four at Lac Alarobia. African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus Two near Ampijoroa and 30 near Majunga. Meller's Duck ◊ Anas melleri Six at Lac Alarobia and two on the river at Vohiparara. Bernier's Teal ◊ (Madagascar T) Anas bernieri Four at the Betsiboka Estuary. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha Present on several wetlands, sometimes numerous. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota One near Majunga, 10 at Alarobia and 20 at Tulear Lakes, more than usual. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Several at Tulear Lakes. Madagascar Grebe ◊ Tachybaptus pelzelnii One at Mantadia. Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Ten at the Betsiboka Estuary. Red-tailed Tropicbird ◊ Phaethon rubricauda Great views on Nosy Ve where about 15 were seen. Malagasy Sacred Ibis ◊ Threskiornis bernieri About 25 at the Betsiboka Estuary, a high count. Madagascar Ibis ◊ (M Crested I) Lophotibis cristata Noted near Andasibe, at Mantadia and Masoala.


Meller’s Duck with Red-billed and Hottentot Teals and White-faced Whistling Ducks at Lac Alarobia (Chris Kehoe)

Red-tailed Tropicbird on Nosy Ve and Madagascar Ibis near Perinet (Chris Kehoe)

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Two seen briefly at Lac Ravelobe. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Several at Ampijoroa and Alarobia, a few elsewhere. Striated Heron Butorides striata Widespread in small numbers. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Locally common. Malagasy Pond Heron ◊ Ardeola idae Two near Ampijoroa and two more at Lac Alarobia. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread except in more arid country, sometimes common. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Four at the Betsiboka Estuary and one near Ifaty. Humblot's Heron ◊ Ardea humbloti One at Lac Ravelobe. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Several at Lac Ravelobe, a few elsewhere. Great Egret Ardea alba Widespread in small numbers. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca Present at several wetlands.


Humblot’s Heron at Lac Ravelobe and Madagascar Pond Herons at Lac Alarobia (Chris Kehoe)

Dimorphic Egret ◊ Egretta dimorpha Widespread, locally common. Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Odd ones in ricefields on seven dates, mainly as we travelled. Reed Cormorant (Long-tailed C) Microcarbo africanus One north of Tana. African Darter Anhinga rufa One at Lac Ravelobe. Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk ◊ Aviceda madagascariensis Brief but close views at Berenty. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Locally common in the south with a few elsewhere. Madagascar Fish Eagle ◊ Haliaeetus vociferoides Two adults at Lac Ravelobe. Madagascar Serpent Eagle ◊ Eutriorchis astur Brief views of this extreme rarity at Mantadia. Malagasy Harrier ◊ Circus macrosceles Adult males north of Tana, over Amboditanemena and the Horombe Plateau.

Madagascar Harrier at Horombe Plateau (Chris Kehoe) Madagascar Harrier-Hawk ◊ Polyboroides radiatus A pair at Ifaty showed very well, a couple elsewhere. Frances's Sparrowhawk ◊ Accipiter francesiae Three at Perinet, three at Berenty and one at Masoala.


Madagascar Harrier Hawk at Ifaty and Frances’s Sparrowhawk at Berenty (Chris Kehoe) Madagascar Sparrowhawk ◊ Accipiter madagascariensis Great views at Perinet and Ifaty, both near nests. Henst's Goshawk ◊ Accipiter henstii One at Mantadia, heard at Vohiparara, seen best at Saha FC. Madagascar Buzzard ◊ Buteo brachypterus Noted on ten dates, mainly in the highlands. Malagasy Kestrel ◊ Falco newtoni Common and widespread. Banded Kestrel ◊ Falco zoniventris One seen on two dates at Ifaty. White-breasted Mesite ◊ Mesitornis variegatus Three at Ampijoroa but rather brief. Brown Mesite ◊ Mesitornis unicolor Great views of a herded pair at Ranamofana. Subdesert Mesite ◊ Monias benschi One on the nest at Ifaty and a couple seen briefly on the ground there. Madagascar Flufftail ◊ Sarothrura insularis Two singles at Mantadia and Perinet, several more heard.

Madagascar Flufftail near Anjozorobe, Madagascar Plover and ‘Madagascar’ Three-banded Plover near Ifaty (Chris Kehoe)

Madagascar Wood Rail ◊ Canirallus kioloides Seen at Mantadia and Perinet, some good views. Madagascar Rail ◊ Rallus madagascariensis One showed well near Mantadia gate. White-throated Rail ◊ Dryolimnas cuvieri Noted near Ampijoroa, Perinet and Maroansetra, others heard. Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla (H) Heard distantly at Tulear Lakes.


Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni Two at Lac Ravelobe. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Noted on three dates. Madagascar Buttonquail ◊ Turnix nigricollis Good views at Ampijoroa, also seen at Ifaty and Masoala. Crab-plover Dromas ardeola Fifteen at the Betsiboka Estuary, 25 on Nosy Ve, one at Maroansetra.

Madagascar Jacanas near Ampijoroa and Crab Plover at Maroansetra (Chris Kehoe)

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Several at Tulear Lakes. Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola A few at the coast. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Several on the Betsiboka Estuary and near Tulear. Madagascar Plover ◊ Charadrius thoracicus Two adults near Ifaty. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Common in the Tulear/ Ifaty area. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris Up to six on pools near Ifaty. See note. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus Noted a few times at coastal sites. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii A few at the Betsiboka Estuary, near Ifaty and Maroansetra. Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis Three at Tulear Lakes. Madagascar Jacana ◊ Actophilornis albinucha Three near Ampijoroa, another near Majunga. Madagascar Snipe ◊ Gallinago macrodactyla One near Ambositra and three near Vohiparara. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica A couple at Maroansetra. Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Several at the Betsiboka Estuary and on the west coast. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Present at several coastal sites. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Numerous at the Betsiboka Estuary. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Present at several wetlands. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Several on the west coast. Sanderling Calidris alba Four on Nosy Ve. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Numerous at the Betsiboka Estuary and near Tulear. Madagascar Pratincole ◊ Glareola ocularis Two south of Ampijoroa, one near Mangoro and several at Masoala. Madagascar Gull ◊ Larus melisandae Four in flight at Fort Dauphin at the second attempt. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Six at Nosy Ve, a few at Fort Dauphin and Masoala. Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis One at the Betsiboka Estuary and several on Nosy Ve. Saunders's Tern ◊ Sternula saundersi Fifteen at the Betsiboka Estuary and a few at Nosy Ve. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Just one at Masoala where terns were oddly scarce. Brown Skua Stercorarius antarcticus Two offshore at Fort Dauphin. Madagascar Sandgrouse ◊ Pterocles personatus Two at Tulear gave good scope views. Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia Present in some urban areas. Malagasy Turtle Dove ◊ Nesoenas picturata Regularly seen in various forested areas. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Common in arid country.


Madagascar Sandgrouse near Tulear and Lesser Vasa parrot at Berenty (Chris Kehoe)

Madagascar Green Pigeon ◊ Treron australis Noted at Ampijoroa, Perinet, Berenty and Masoala. Madagascar Blue Pigeon ◊ Alectroenas madagascariensis Noted at Perinet, Mantadia and Saha FC. Grey-headed Lovebird ◊ Agapornis canus A handful at Ampijoroa then quite numerous in the west. Greater Vasa Parrot ◊ Coracopsis vasa Seen best at Mantadia and Masoala. Lesser Vasa Parrot ◊ Coracopsis nigra Noted at Ampijoroa, Mantadia, Ifaty, Berenty and Masoala. Malagasy Coucal ◊ Centropus toulou Fairly common and widespread, more often heard than seen though.

Madagascar Coucal at Ampijoroa and Brown-capped Coua at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe)

Crested Coua ◊ Coua cristata Five at Ampijoroa, one at Zombitse and several at Ifaty and Berenty. See note. Verreaux's Coua ◊ Coua verreauxi Excellent views of one at Tulear tablelands after a rather long search.


Crested Coua at Berenty and Verreaux’s Coua near Tulear (Chris Kehoe)

Blue Coua ◊ Coua caerulea Noted at Mantadia, Perinet, Vohiparara and Masoala. Red-capped Coua ◊ Coua ruficeps Two at Ampijoroa. Brown-capped Coua ◊ (Green-c C) Coua olivaceiceps Great views of five at Ifaty including a group of four birds. Red-fronted Coua ◊ Coua reynaudii Two at Perinet, one at Masoala, heard at Vohiparara. Coquerel's Coua ◊ Coua coquereli A couple at Ampijoroa and up to six at Zombitse. Running Coua ◊ Coua cursor Three at Tulear and two at Ifaty, including one on a nest. Giant Coua ◊ Coua gigas One at Zombitse briefly and four at Berenty, great views at the latter. Red-breasted Coua ◊ Coua serriana Two at Perinet, three more at Masoala and heard at Vohiparara. Madagascar Cuckoo ◊ Cuculus rochii Often heard, occasionally seen. Western Barn Owl Tyto alba Two roosting at Berenty and another at Maroansetra. Torotoroka Scops Owl ◊ Otus madagascariensis One roosting at Ampijoroa. Rainforest Scops Owl ◊ Otus rutilus One roosting at Mantadia, heard at Saha FC and Masoala. White-browed Hawk-Owl ◊ Ninox superciliaris One roosting at Zombitse and three at Berenty, others heard. Madagascar Owl ◊ (M Long-eared O) Asio madagascariensis An adult and two large fledglings at Perinet. Madagascar Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus madagascariensis Numerous at Ifaty, a handful elsewhere. Collared Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus enarratus Exceptional views of two on nests at Perinet. Madagascar Spinetail ◊ Zoonavena grandidieri A handful at Mantadia, Zombitse and Ifaty, several at Masoala. African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Widespread in mostly small numbers. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Two at Zombitse and one north of Tana. Malagasy Black Swift ◊ Apus balstoni Many at Zombitse, a few elsewhere. Little Swift Apus affinis A handful in Tana, seemingly regular there now. Madagascar Cuckoo Roller ◊ Leptosomus discolor Regularly heard, seen very well on a few occasions.


Madagascar Owl at Perinet and Rainforest Scops Owl at Mantadia (Chris Kehoe)

Madagascar Cuckoo Roller at Zombitse (Chris Kehoe)


Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus Fairly widespread, especially common at Ampijoroa. Short-legged Ground Roller ◊ Brachypteracias leptosomus Great views at Mantadia and Masoala. Scaly Ground Roller ◊ Geobiastes squamiger Two or three at Mantadia and one at Masoala. Pitta-like Ground Roller ◊ Atelornis pittoides Great views at Mantadia, Ranamofana, Vohiparara and Saha FC. Rufous-headed Ground Roller ◊ Atelornis crossleyi Good views of one calling at Vohiparara. Long-tailed Ground Roller ◊ Uratelornis chimaera Superb views of this iconic species at Ifaty. Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher ◊ Corythornis madagascariensis Singles at Mantadia and Perinet. Malagasy Kingfisher ◊ (Mad. Malachite K) Corythornis vintsioides Widespread encounters on nine dates.

Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher at Perinet and Malagasy Kingfisher at Tana Zoo (Chris Kehoe)

Madagascar Hoopoe at Ampijoroa and Madagascar Bee-eater at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe)

Olive Bee-eater (Mad. B-e) Merops superciliosus Widespread, often common, especially in the west.


Madagascar Hoopoe ◊ Upupa marginata Several at Ampijoroa and in the west. Velvet Asity ◊ Philepitta castanea A male at Perinet and three at Vohiparara, a couple more heard. Schlegel's Asity ◊ Philepitta schlegeli A pair nest building at Ampijoroa. Common Sunbird-Asity ◊ Neodrepanis coruscans Males at Mantadia and Perinet, females at Vohiparara. Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity ◊ Neodrepanis hypoxantha A pair attending a nest at Vohiparara. Red-tailed Vanga ◊ Calicalicus madagascariensis Seen on just three dates, first at Mantadia, others heard. Red-shouldered Vanga ◊ Calicalicus rufocarpalis Great views of a pair at Tulear tablelands. Hook-billed Vanga ◊ Vanga curvirostris Ones and twos at Perinet, Ifaty and Berenty, some great views. Bernier's Vanga ◊ Oriolia bernieri A showy pair at Masoala on one date. Lafresnaye's Vanga ◊ Xenopirostris xenopirostris A pair attending a nest at Ifaty. Van Dam's Vanga ◊ Xenopirostris damii Good views of a pair at Ampijoroa. Pollen's Vanga ◊ Xenopirostris polleni A male attending a nest with two juveniles at Ranamofana. Sickle-billed Vanga ◊ Falculea palliata Great views at Ampijoroa and Ifaty. White-headed Vanga ◊ Artamella viridis Encountered at Ampijoroa, Mantadia and Masoala.

Helmet Vanga at Masoala and Chabert Vanga at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe)

Chabert Vanga ◊ Leptopterus chabert Noted on ten dates after the first at Ampijoroa. Blue Vanga ◊ Cyanolanius madagascarinus Noted at Ampijoroa, Mantadia, Perinet, Zombitse and Masoala. Rufous Vanga ◊ Schetba rufa Good views at Ampijoroa, others at Zombitse and Masoala. Helmet Vanga ◊ Euryceros prevostii Three at Masoala including a pair attending a nest with young, awesome! Tylas Vanga ◊ Tylas eduardi Seen best at Mantadia and Masoala. Nuthatch Vanga ◊ Hypositta corallirostris Good views at Mantadia. Dark Newtonia ◊ Newtonia amphichroa Several at Ranamofana, heard at Mantadia. Common Newtonia ◊ Newtonia brunneicauda Common in wooded areas. Archbold's Newtonia ◊ Newtonia archboldi Good views of four at Ifaty. Ward's Flycatcher ◊ Pseudobias wardi A handful at Mantadia and Perinet. Crossley's Vanga ◊ (C Babbler) Mystacornis crossleyi One at Vohiparara after days of searching was a relief! Madagascar Cuckooshrike ◊ Coracina cinerea A few, mainly in rainforest areas, on five dates. Crested Drongo Dicrurus forficatus Often common and very widespread. Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher ◊ Terpsiphone mutata Common in wooded areas. Pied Crow Corvus albus Common in arid country. Madagascar Lark ◊ Mirafra hova Common in arid country. Malagasy Bulbul ◊ Hypsipetes madagascariensis Fairly common and widespread. Mascarene Martin ◊ Phedina borbonica Widespread encounters, seen on 14 dates. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola A couple near Mantadia, others as we travelled.


Archbold’s Newtonia and Lafresnaye’s Vanga at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe) Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (LO) One near Tulear. Malagasy Brush Warbler ◊ Nesillas typica Often heard and regularly seen except in the arid southwest. Subdesert Brush Warbler ◊ Nesillas lantzii Often heard with a few seen well in the arid southwest.

Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher at Ampijoroa and Malagasy Bulbul at Ifaty (Chris Kehoe)

Madagascar Swamp Warbler ◊ Acrocephalus newtoni Noted near Perinet and at Tulear Lakes. Brown Emutail ◊ Bradypterus brunneus Quite good views of this notorious skulker at Vohiparara. Grey Emutail ◊ Amphilais seebohmi Good views of three at Amboditanemena. White-throated Oxylabes Oxylabes madagascariensis Good views at rainforest sites on five dates. Long-billed Bernieria (L-b Greenbul) Bernieria madagascariensis Seen quite regularly after the first at Ampijoroa. Cryptic Warbler ◊ Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi Scope views of a singing bird at Vohiparara. Wedge-tailed Jery ◊ Hartertula flavoviridis One at Mantadia and four at Vohiparara. Thamnornis ◊ (T Warbler) Thamnornis chloropetoides Great views at Tulear, heard at Ifaty. Spectacled Tetraka ◊ (S Greenbul) Xanthomixis zosterops Noted at Mantadia, Perinet, Vohiparara and Masoala. Appert's Tetraka ◊ (A Greenbul) Xanthomixis apperti At least four at Zombitse, some fine views.


Madagascar Mannikin at Perinet and Appert’s Tetraka at Zombitse (Chris Kehoe) Grey-crowned Tetraka (G-c Greenbul) Xanthomixis cinereiceps A couple at Ranamofana and Vohiparara. Madagascar Yellowbrow ◊ Crossleyia xanthophrys One at Vohiparara, another heard there. Rand's Warbler ◊ Randia pseudozosterops Several at Mantadia, Perinet and Ranomafana. Common Jery ◊ Neomixis tenella Widespread and common, more often heard than seen though. Green Jery ◊ Neomixis viridis A singing bird in the scope at Mantadia, heard a few times. Stripe-throated Jery ◊ Neomixis striatigula Several at Perinet and especially Ifaty, others heard. Madagascar Cisticola ◊ Cisticola cherina Fairly common in arid brush country. Malagasy White-eye ◊ Zosterops maderaspatanus Widespread encounters, seen on 10 dates. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Common and very widespread. Madagascar Starling ◊ Hartlaubius auratus A handful at Mantadia but seen best at Masoala. Madagascar Magpie-Robin ◊ Copsychus albospecularis Fairly common and widespread. Madagascar Stonechat ◊ Saxicola sibilla Scattered records in the highlands. Littoral Rock Thrush ◊ Monticola imerina A showy pair at Anakao, viewed from the bar!

Littoral Rock Thrush at Anakao (Chris Kehoe)


Forest Rock Thrush ◊ Monticola sharpei An obliging female in the forest at Vohiparara. Benson’s Rock Thrush ◊ Pseudocossyphus bensoni A cooperative pair at Isalo. Souimanga Sunbird ◊ Cinnyris sovimanga Common and widespread. Malagasy Green Sunbird ◊ (Long-billed G S) Cinnyris notatus A handful at Ampijoroa, Mantadia and Saha FC. Nelicourvi Weaver ◊ Ploceus nelicourvi Noted at Perinet, Mantadia, Ranomafana and Saha FC.

Nelicourvi Weaver near Anjozorobe (Chris Kehoe) Sakalava Weaver ◊ Ploceus sakalava Common in the southwest, a few elsewhere. Red Fody ◊ Foudia madagascariensis Fairly widespread, sometimes common, mostly female-like birds. Forest Fody ◊ Foudia omissa A handful at Mantadia and Masoala, scarcer than usual this year. Madagascar Mannikin ◊ Lemuresthes nana Noted at several sites. Madagascar Wagtail ◊ Motacilla flaviventris Common in the east. MAMMALS Fossa Cryptoprocta ferox One at Mantadia, a write-in. Lowland Streaked Tenrec Hemicentetes semispinosus Singles at Perinet and Masoala. Madagascar Flying Fox Pteropus rufus Many at Berenty. Grey Mouse Lemur Microcebus murinus Several at Ampijoroa. Grey-brown Mouse Lemur (Reddish-grey M L) Microcebus griseorufus Several at Berenty. Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur Cheirogaleus medius A few at Ampijoroa.


Milne-Edward's Sportive Lemur Lepilemur edwardsi A couple at Ampijoroa. Hubbard's Sportive Lemur Lepilemur hubbardi One at Zombitse. White-footed Sportive Lemur Lepilemur leucopus Several at Berenty. Eastern Grey Bamboo Lemur (Grey B L) Hapalemur griseus A couple at Perinet. Golden Bamboo Lemur Hapalemur aureus A couple at Ranamofana showed well. Ring-tailed Lemur Lemur catta Common at Berenty. Mongoose Lemur Eulemur mongoz One at Ampijoroa. Red-bellied Lemur Eulemur rubriverter A handful at Ranamofana. Common Brown Lemur Eulemur fulvus A few at Ampijoroa and Perinet. White-fronted Brown Lemur Eulemur albifrons A couple at Masoala. Red-fronted Brown Lemur Eulemur rufus Two at Ranamofana and several introduced animals at Berenty. Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur Varecia variagata Good views at Mantadia, others heard. Red Ruffed Lemur Varecia rubra Good views at Masoala. Western Avahi (Western Woolly Lemur) Avahi occidentalis One at Ampijoroa.

Verreaux’s Sifaka at Berenty (Chris Kehoe)


Diademed Sifaka Propithecus diadema Great looks at Perinet. Verreaux's Sifaka Propithecus verreauxi Close encounters at Zombitse and Berenty. Coquerel's Sifaka Propithecus coquereli Great views at Ampijoroa. Milne-Edwardes's Sifaka Propithecus edwardsi Seen twice at Vohiparara. Indri Indri indri Several at Perinet, heard at Saha FC. Eastern Red Forest Rat Nesomys rufus A couple at Vohiparara. Lowland Red Forest Rat Nesomys audeberti One at Masoala. Western Tuft-tailed Rat Eliurus myoxinus Several at Ifaty. Indo-Pacific Bottle-nosed Dolphin Tursiops aduncus Three at Masoala. Humpback Whale Megaptera novaengliae Several off Fort Dauphin. NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris The form concerned is endemic bifrontatus which some recent authors, including the recent Birdlife/HBW Checklist, split as Madagascar Three-banded Plover C. bifrontatus on the basis of several small differences in head and breast pattern and colour. Crested Coua Coua cristata The recent Birdlife/HBW checklist splits the rufous-vented form of the southwest (which we saw at Zombitse, Ifaty and Berenty) as Chestnut-vented Coua C. pyropyga.

Comet Moth and others at Ranomafana (Chris Kehoe)


Comet Moth admirers at Ranomafana (Chris Kehoe)

madagascar (ultimate) rep 14 - birdquest · this year’s ultimate madagascar tour once again...

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