Birds on Madagascar

Shaped by the island’s isolation, Madagascar’s birdlife is a brilliant mix of rare, endangered and downright eccentric.  Amongst the 300 or so species, nearly a third are endemic to the island.

There’s anything and everything from the petite Bee Hummingbird, a mere 2in (5.5cm), to the island’s national bird, the critically endangered Fish Eagle, and a myriad of colours: bright yellow, orange, red, blue, green and monochrome.  Providing the tiniest sample, here are a few of the island’s most fascinating residents:

Madagascar Fish Eagle – One of the rarest raptors in the world. Fewer than 250 are left.  As Madagascar’s national bird, they are mainly found around the western coast.

 

Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher – Blink and you’ll miss it!  This tiny burst of orange and electric blue zips through the forest incredibly fast, especially when diving at high speed to catch their prey.

 

Pitta-like Ground Roller – Who needs flying when you can run?  This quirky bird prefers sprinting across the forest floor, chasing bugs and reptiles like a tiny, feathered marathon runner.

Yellow-billed Masked Stork – Recognized by its long, strong beak what sets this stork apart from others is its vibrant yellow bill, slightly curved tip, and deep red face.  During breeding season, its white plumage and typically brown legs turn pink.

 

Madagascar White-eye – These tiny, chatty little birds travel in noisey flocks while foraging.  As they flit between trees, they help pollinate the forest through seed dispersal, aiding in the growth of new plants.

 

Madagascar Hoope – With its striking crest that lifts when excited and wings marked by bold black-and-white stripes, the Madagascar Hoopoe is quite the show-off.  To keep predators at bay, it secretes a pungent scent, making sure no one gets too close.