Madagascar is a true sanctuary of nature, offering a unique ornithological experience. Unlike other African countries, the island has only 265 recorded bird species, but it stands out with 37 endemic genera and 120 endemic species, including 5 endemic families and 1 endemic subfamily. Additionally, 25 species belong to genera unique to the islands of the Indian Ocean.
Best Time to Visit
The prime period for birdwatching is September to December, during the start of the rainy season when birds are most active and vocal. For those who prefer cooler and dry conditions, July is ideal to observe Madagascar’s endemic species comfortably.
Bird Species by Habitat
| Habitat | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Lowland Rainforest (Masoala NP, Andohahela NP) | Madagascar Serpent Eagle, Brown Mesite, Red-breasted Coua, Madagascar Red Owl, Short-legged Ground-roller, Scaly Ground-roller, Dusky Tetraka, Red-tailed Newtonia, Helmet Vanga, Bernier’s Vanga |
| Mid-altitude Rainforest (Andasibe/Périnet & Mantadia NP, Ranomafana NP) | Madagascar Wood Rail, Blue Coua, Red-fronted Coua, Collared Nightjar, Short-legged Ground-roller, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Common Sunbird Asity, Velvet Asity, Green Jery, Spectacled Tetraka, Wedge-tailed Tetraka, Rand’s Warbler, White-throated Oxylabes, Dark Newtonia, Red-tailed Vanga, Tylas Vanga, Nuthatch Vanga, Crossley’s Vanga, Ward’s Vanga, Madagascar Starling, Nelicourvi Weaver, Forest Fody |
| Higher-elevation Rainforest (Marojejy & Ranomafana NP, Anjozorobe, Maromizaha) | Rufous-headed Ground-roller, Yellow-bellied Sunbird Asity, Forest Rock Thrush, Brown Emu-tail, Grey-crowned Tetraka, Madagascar Yellowbrow, Cryptic Warbler |
| Eastern Mid-altitude Wetlands (Matsaborimena Lake, Torotorofotsy, Mantadia NP, Anjozorobe, Vohiparara) | Madagascar Grebe, Meller’s Duck, Madagascar Pochard, Madagascar Rail, Slender-billed Flufftail, Madagascar Snipe, Grey Emu-tail |
| Western Dry Forest (Ampijoroa, Bemaraha NP, Kirindy, Zombitse-Vohibasia NP) | Banded Kestrel, White-breasted Mesite, Tsingy Wood Rail, Coquerel’s Coua, Crested Coua, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, Madagascar Hoopoe, Schlegel’s Asity, Appert’s Tetraka, Long-Billed Tetraka, Common Newtonia, Rufous Vanga, Van Dam’s Vanga, Sickle-Billed Vanga, Hook-billed Vanga, White-Headed Vanga |
| Southern Spiny & Gallery Forest (Ifaty, St Augustin, Anakao, Tsiamanampetsotsa NP, Cap Ste Marie SR, Andohahela NP, Berenty) | Madagascar Cuckoo-hawk, Subdesert Mesite, Long-tailed Ground-roller, Madagascar Sandgrouse, Verreaux’s Coua, Running Coua, Littoral Rock Thrush, Thamnornis, Archbold’s Newtonia, Subdesert Brush Warbler, Sickle-billed Vanga, Red-shouldered Vanga, Lafresnaye’s Vanga |
| Western Wetlands (Ampijoroa, Betsiboka Estuary, Lake Kinkony, Lake Bedo, Ifaty wetlands, Lake Tsimanampetsotsa) | Madagascar Grebe, Madagascar Heron, Madagascar Pond Heron, Madagascar Sacred Ibis, Madagascar Teal, Madagascar Fish Eagle, Sakalava Rail, Madagascar Jacana |
| Highland Grassland & Savanna (Horombe Plateau, Ambohitantely) | Madagascar Harrier (rare), Madagascar Partridge, Madagascar Buttonquail, Madagascar Lark |
