Madagascar - Rockjumper Birding Tours

Madagascar Comprehensive III nd

2 to 22nd November 2017 (21 days)

Trip Report

Long-tailed Ground Roller by Gareth Robbins

Trip report and photos compiled by Tour Leader: Gareth Robbins and John Caddick

Rockjumper Birding Tours

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Trip Report – RBL Madagascar - Comprehensive III 2017

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Tour Summary Once the Masoala extension had come to an end, we met the rest of the group at our quaint hotel in Antananarivo. We consumed a delectable lunch and then went on to visit the historical Lac Alarobia (a Ramsar Site within the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the treaty was signed for the conservation and sustainable use of Wetlands in 1971). These Wetlands originally belonged to the last queen of the Antananarivo’s family and then they were sold shortly after her death to the extremely wealthy Ranarivelo family. After driving through intense traffic, we arrived at this beautiful gem, hidden away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. To top it all Meller’s Ducks by Gareth Robbins off, we were presented with an abundance of birdlife. At the first lake, we saw numerous waterfowl from Red-billed Teals to Whitefaced Whistling Ducks, and we also revelled in close-up views of a White-throated Rail which was collecting food for its young. Two Meller’s Ducks were perched peacefully and elegantly on a tree trunk which was lying right in front of us in the water, and here we saw a Black-crowned Night Heron too. On our enjoyable stroll around the first dam, we had incredible sightings of Malagasy Kingfisher, as well as large numbers of white morph Dimorphic Egrets, Black Herons, Squacco Herons, Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons on the idyllic island in the middle of the lake. We investigated each nesting heron with care, eventually coming across an exquisite Malagasy Pond Heron in breeding plumage. At the second lake, we found several more Meller’s Ducks and Hottentot Teals. On our way back to where our walking venture began, we successfully managed to get stunning views of Madagascan Swamp Warbler and Malagasy Brush Warbler. Towards the end of the walk, we witnessed a Madagascan Grebe – all in all, what a fantastic way to start the trip! After a bright, early and substantial breakfast, we packed our bags into three 4x4s and made our way through the Antananarivo traffic. We then embarked on our journey out of the town, and once we took a rest with a short leg stretch, we continued with our mission to Andasibe (Perinet Special Reserve). We drove through some small villages and overtook large trucks, all the while having the chance to look at areas consisting of rice paddies, where we spotted Dimorphic and Great Egrets, Black and Squacco White-throated Rail by Gareth Robbins Herons and a Malagasy Kestrel. After a long journey, we arrived at our fabulous lodge in Andasibe and during our relaxing lunch, we got swift glimpses of White-throated Rails and Madagascan Blue Pigeons. We then proceeded to head out to the Reserve and Rockjumper Birding Tours



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within our two hours of birding, we were fortunate to see Spectacled Tetraka, Forest Fody, Malagasy Brush Warbler, Rainforest Scops Owl and Madagascan Sparrowhawk. Furthermore, we saw a couple of Diademed Sifakas and spent a decent amount of time with these delightful creatures, watching them jump gracefully between each tree. We then headed to the famous area to see a Collared Nightjar, and here it was roosting in a Bird Tree Fern. After this amazing sighting, we visited a nesting Madagascan Wood Rail, only managing to see the bill and eyes of the bird. We then continued out of the park, spotting Malagasy Turtle Dove along the way. Our next excursion involved a brief walk and then a visit to pine plantations, where we got some exceptional views of a Madagascan Owl. We then unpacked our bags at the lodge and before we knew it, we were on our first night walk! Whilst enduring our riveting night walk, Madagascan Blue Pigeon by Gareth Robbins we came across Goodman’s Mouse Lemur and Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur. Additionally, we saw two different types of Chameleons, namely the large Parson’s Chameleon and the smaller Short-horned Chameleon, also known as Elephant Eared Chameleons/Nose-horned Chameleon. Today was an intense day with travel and birding, so we lavished in a gorgeous dinner before preparing ourselves for the itinerary for the next day. After a nourishing and early breakfast, we began our journey to the Mantadia National Park. Luc, our guide, was adamant to find us some ground rollers, so to search for these we made a few stops along the way. Whilst Luc was on the hunt for ground rollers, the rest of us were privileged to find birds such as Green, Common and Stripe-throated Jerys, as well as Common Newtonia and Rand’s Warbler. Luc ultimately heard the call of a Short-legged Ground Roller, so in haste, we drove up the hillside and got an impressive sighting of two! We clambered back down the hill and chose to take another trail in the search of Scaly Ground Roller and a few other birds. When on the trail, we picked up some good views of Whitethroated Oxylabes, Wedge-tailed Jery/Tetraka and we were presented with mind-blowing photographic opportunities of a male Crossley’s Vanga. In addition, we saw a vanga flock, which produced awe-inspiring sightings of Whiteheaded and Tylas Vangas. A Madagascan Cuckooshrike also made an appearance. We then focused all of our attention back on the Scaly Ground Roller, and after some persistent Collared Nightjar by Gareth Robbins searching, we decided to have some lunch whilst Luc explored a little further. As soon as we finished our lunch, we heard Luc call from the forest and we raced back down the trail. After some serious running, diving, shoving, fighting, you name it, every




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single one of us rejoiced in seeing this astonishing and unique bird. We returned to the lunch spot and then moved on along the road to try our luck at finding Pitta-like Ground Roller. En route Luc spotted a Madagascan Flufftail flying across the road, and after several moments, we found ourselves actually staring at this striking little bird, right next to the side of the road. This was most definitely a highlight for most of us, as this particular bird is notorious for being extremely difficult to encounter. We continued on our search for the Pitta-like Ground Roller and Luc eventually heard the bird call. After more scampering, we all got some remarkable looks at this very cooperative bird. Before exiting the National Park, we paid a visit to a small wetland and this offered us impressive views of the aloof Madagascan Rail. We then left the park and made our way back to the lodge, spotting Broad-billed Roller, Blue Pigeon and Madagascan Buzzard along the way. We made our way back to Mantadia National Park for the second time today. After such a successful day of birding the day before, pressure was somewhat relieved and we could focus solely on various new birds within another habitat. Our very first target for the day was Red-breasted Coua. We tried one particular Short-legged Ground Roller by Gareth Robbins area, without any luck, but some did spot the vocal Cuckoo Roller flying overhead. A little further down the road, the coua was heard calling. At the exact same time, one of the guests saw Lowland Streaked Tenrec and we all got formidably close sightings of this marvellous creature. We entered a small area of forest and were privileged to hear the Red Breasted Coua call again – most of the group saw this bird for the second time. When we then approached the vehicles, and Luc pointed out a Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher flying across the road for us all to see. During our visit to the nest site, we searched for Madagascan “Crested” Ibis but could only see one chick buried within the nest. After a few seemingly long minutes, the second chick appeared. We waited incredibly patiently for an adult to feed both the chicks and whilst this was happening, news came to us that there was a Nuthatch Vanga close by. We raced to the site and were presented with not only one, but two of these birds. Before we knew it, we were right in the middle of a flock and we also managed to see Cryptic Warbler, Tylas, Blue, Chabert and Red-tailed


Madagascan Flufftail by Gareth Robbins



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Vangas, Madagascan Cuckooshrike, Common Newtonia and a pair of Nelicourvi Weavers. We returned to the Ibis nest and got fascinating looks at the crest of the adult. Our next plan of action was stopping off for lunch before driving to a nearby wetland to ultimately try and see Madagascan Snipe and Grey Emutail. We heard the Grey Emutail call but only got some brief glimpses of it flying out of the short, thick grass. A few moments later, Luc observed a Madagascan Snipe and we all gazed at this bird as it flew and landed nearby. On our way back to the vehicles, we saw Malagasy Kestrel hover and then dive into the grass to catch a small critter for its lunch. Before ending this exciting day with dinner, we visited the Guides Reserve to search for interesting creatures such as Boophis Luteus Frog, Fury-eared Dwarf Lemur, Small Toothed Sportive Lemur and Parson’s Chameleon. We were successful in finding these, but the pivotal point in our outing was spotting an active Southern Flat-tailed Gecko – what another incredible day in Madagascar! We awoke at the cusp of dawn with the haunting calls of the Indri, and after a lavish breakfast we set out to the Perinet Special Reserve (Andasibe) to find it. On our walk, we had a few magical encounters with a Madagascan Wood Grey Emutail by Gareth Robbins Rail, as well as a Bamboo Lemur which was feeding on a magnificent Bamboo shoot right next to the path. We then took a steep trail up to the top flat section of the park and here we saw Malagasy Green Sunbird, Spectacled Tetraka and a mixed flock of birds, including Ward’s and Red-tailed Vangas. All of a sudden, we heard the call of the Indri in close proximity to us and Luc pointed us to the exact spot. It was utterly astonishing: there were at least five Indri and we had them all to ourselves to enjoy! After some extremely wonderful photographic opportunities, Luc imitated the call and before we knew it we were right in the middle of their ‘spooky’ chorus. Before making our way back down to the lodge for an early lunch and departure, we took another route and saw two Blue Couas, as well as a Madagascan Cuckoo. En route to Antananarivo, we saw the usual suspects: Great and Dimorphic Egrets, as well as a few Malagasy Kestrels. We arrived at the lodge just in time before a huge downpour of rain, clearly indicating to us that the rainy season was well on its way. After our scrumptious dinner the night before, we indeed got news that our flight was not going to Berenty anymore. At the last minute, we decided to cancel the Indri by Gareth Robbins entire Berenty and Fort Dauphin trip and we prepared to spend a few more quality and productive days in the Ifaty/Tulear areas. To start with, we spent the day at the lodge looking out for the regular lodge birds before heading to the Tsimbazaza Zoo in the




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southern part of the city. Even though there were captive animals there, the dam in the middle of the zoo offered Cattle, Dimorphic and Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, as well as Squacco, Black and Malagasy Pond Herons. In addition, we saw Malagasy Turtle Dove and Malagasy Kingfisher. The clouds began to darken and the traffic became heavier. After an hour and a half, we made it back to the lodge just in time, before the heavens opened and graced us with rain. After yet another thunderstorm in the capital city, we woke up to a crisp, clear morning and some of us saw a rare sighting of an aeroplane flying overhead. We took this sign as a good omen that our flight would be on time and not be cancelled! After a brief but filling breakfast, we packed up our bags and took a short bus drive to Antananarivo Sakalava Weaver by Gareth Robbins Airport, passing a small wetland along the way, where we saw Great Egrets and a couple of Squacco Herons. As we had wished for, our flight was on time and from here we flew to the warm seaside town of Tulear, which was situated in the southwestern part of the country. As soon as we landed, a couple of Madagascan Larks were seen on the airstrip and as we drove to our lodge, we saw a few more Madagascan Larks, as well as a Pied Crow. Once we arrived at the Arboretum d’Antsokay, we checked in and got ready for a late afternoon of birding. It was an incredibly hot day, so we only headed out at 4 pm for our guided walk in the arboretum. Before the tour began, we were very fortunate to come across two very relaxed Red (Green)-capped Couas and a Warty Chameleon. We then met our energetic guide, Celia, who took us around the arboretum and exposed us to highly interesting plant life, such as the Octopus Plant (Didierea), as well as a couple of bird species, such as Madagascan Magpie-Robin, Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher, Sakalava Weaver and Sub-desert Brush Warbler. Celia then went in search of Madagascan Buttonquails, and we indeed managed to see one of these birds fly off! Before calling it a day, we saw a Merrem’s Madagascar Swift and a SlitNosed Bat, and then had poor views of a Grey-brown Mouse Lemur sleeping in a tree. We met fairly early to run through our checklist and whilst doing so we had a surprise visit from a Grey-brown Mouse Lemur as it walked along the side of the roof of the restaurant. We then all sat down for an exquisite dinner outside, listening to the soothing calls of the Madagascan Nightjar. We woke to the rumbling sounds of thunder first thing in the morning, and after some coffee, tea and biscuits, we


Olive Bee-eater by Gareth Robbins



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made our way to a small wetland in the hopes of finding a Madagascan Sandgrouse. Whilst we waited for Freddy and Mosa to look for the sandgrouse, we walked around spotting Madagascan Lark, Madagascan Cisticola, Sakalava Weaver, Malagasy Coucal, Subdesert Brush Warbler and a small Marsh Terrapin. The pouring rain, subtle thunder and bolting lightning persisted, but we still tried for a few other birds around the Le Tabla Mountain. It did not take long at all for Freddy and Mosa to locate a pair of Redshouldered Vangas; and after boldly fighting our way through the spiny vegetation, we finally got good views of both birds. We went to a Euphorbia Tree where a Verreaux’s Coua was nesting, and after circling the tree, we all put the various obscured sightings together to make up a full Verreaux’s Coua. After a successful morning, we headed back down to our hotel in the arboretum and Verreaux’s Coua by Gareth Robbins celebrated with a delightful breakfast. We then packed up and drove through the seaside town of Tulear to our beach lodge in the small town of Mangily. Along the way, Pied Crows, Malagasy Kestrels and a couple of Common Sandpipers and Kittlitz’s Plovers were seen. After checking in, we sat down for a well-deserved lunch and at this time the seas were still viciously roaring, the thunder was still booming and there was a lot of striking lightning. In fact, a lightning bolt struck one of the bungalows at the back, so needless to say we incurred no further electricity for the rest of the day. After a short but enjoyable siesta, we met Mosa and his gang and we all ventured through the Spiny Forest, observing a mating display of some Greater Vasa Parrots. Our first new and one of the most anticipated birds of the tour was a fine-looking Longtailed Ground Roller. We observed this bird for a solid half an hour and got some pleasing photographs of the bird. In anticipation, we persevered and found a frozen female Subdesert Mesite perched on an Octopus Plant branch. In continuing with our walk, we identified Lafresnaye’s Vanga and a Madagascan Sparrowhawk in a nest. We also had long-distance views of our first Crested Coua. We called it a day and over dinner we were exhilarated to see the resident Grey-brown Mouse Lemur feeding in the tree behind us. Again we enjoyed some coffee, tea and biscuits and then returned to Parc Mosa, where the guides were eagerly awaiting our arrival. We immediately set off on our fastpaced adventure and the first new sighting of the day was of a vocal Thamnornis. We stayed on the sand trails and identified Lafresnaye’s Vanga, Crested Coua and Running Coua. We spent a brief moment in time spying out a pair of Sickle-billed


Sickle-billed Vanga by Gareth Robbins



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Vangas, where one bird was all cosy sitting within the nest. There was a multitude of Grey-headed Lovebirds which flew overhead all morning, as well as a dynamic variety of Greater Vasa Parrots displaying and mating. Before heading back to the hotel for breakfast, we came across a few shy Madagascan Buttonquails. After a delightful breakfast, we paid a visit to the Ifaty Salt Pans, where our guides went on a thorough search for the Madagascan Plover. Whilst we waited, we had a look at several shorebird species, such as Ruddy Turnstone, Common Greenshank, Kittlitz’s, Common-ringed and White-fronted Plovers and a couple of Whimbrels. At long last, we got the call we were waiting for and we raced across the recently water-drenched fields and stumbled across the Madagascan Plover. After the entire group got good scoping views, everyone walked towards the bird to photograph it. We then headed back to the lodge to take a breather and to enjoy the shade for the rest of the day. In the cooler part of the afternoon, we visited the Belalanda Wetlands. On our way to the wetlands, we attempted to find Humblot’s Heron but instead came across a Greater Sand Plover. In due course, we arrived at the wetlands and there was a humming buzz of activity with large amounts of human Chabert Vanga by Gareth Robbins and Zebu; nonetheless, the birds were still in sight. We got quick glances of a Greater Painted Snipe and also saw Black-winged Stilts, Curlew Sandpipers, Olive Bee-eaters and Grey-headed Lovebirds all within the reeds. We stopped off at another section of the wetland and by mere fluke, we saw a Baillon’s Crake with a youngster. During our excursion within the other side of the main wetland, we saw a couple of very pale Greater Flamingos and an immature African Swamphen. Today was indeed a magnificent day, so we decided to go back to the hotel to enjoy our scrumptious dinner, where we too had visits from Grey and Grey-brown Mouse Lemurs and a larger Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur. Today we visited Parc Mosa for the last time, with only a small number of target species to look for. After enduring a hefty and lengthy walk, we had the most awe-inspiring views of an Archbold’s Newtonia and the cherry on top was a Running Coua perched on the top of a tree. Another intriguing creature we observed was a Petter’s Sportive Lemur, which was a new species of sportive lemur, as it had different markings than the other Petter’s Sportive Lemurs. We still had a bit of time to kill, so we searched for the Long-tailed Ground Roller for the last time and we found it! We even witnessed the miraculous colours of the astounding bird as it flew over the small bushes. We returned to the hotel and after a delicious lunch, we packed the 4x4s and made our way to Tulear. En route we endeavoured to find the Humblot’s Heron and this time Guillaume landed eyes


Malagasy Kingfisher by Gareth Robbins



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on two birds in the distance. After some gorgeous looks through the scope, we could see that these two birds were indeed Humblot’s Herons. We rushed down the hillside with all the local kids in tow and as we reached the water’s edge, we had outstanding views of the Humblot’s Herons again. Somebody in the group called out gull, and after closer inspection, we saw that this turned out to actually be a Subadult Crab-plover! After all the excitement, we hopped back into the 4x4s which initially drove down the hill to fetch us, and then we re-visited the Belalanda Wetlands, where we had quick views of Greater Painted Snipe and our first real looks at Little Grebes. After that, we drove back to our hotel near the airport in Tulear. Today was another eagerly-awaited day as this was the day that we would head out to the island of Nosy Ve and the seaside town of Anakao. Before the boat trip and breakfast, Red-tailed Tropicbird by Gareth Robbins we gave the Madagascan Sandgrouse spot one more try, only managing to see a few Grey-headed Lovebirds, Malagasy Kingfisher, Madagascan Cisticola and a couple of Yellow-billed Kites. The pivotal point of the morning was noting a couple of Madagascan Buttonquails crossing the road on the way in and on the way back out of the sandgrouse spot. At the hotel, we enjoyed a lavish breakfast and then took the zebu surprise transfer to the boat. After having seen Humblot’s Herons the day before, we headed straight to Anakao to collect the snorkelling gear. Along the way, we saw a large fish jumping out of the water and we also saw a small group of Risso’s Dolphins – a first for many of us, and the distinct white head, scratched body and large curved dorsal fin helped us identify this ocean animal. After collecting our snorkelling gear, we headed straight to Nosy Ve Island and as soon as we neared the island, we got our first look at some Red-tailed Tropicbirds flying across the water in front of the boat. We started to round the Northern part of the island and saw the tide was still getting quite high, and to our right was a small patch of Crab-plovers alongside Greater and Lesser Crested Terns. We rounded the island, spotting Ruddy Turnstones and Grey Plovers before disembarking onto the island. After a quick disembarkation, we walked around a small section of the island where everybody was able to get close-up views of Red-tailed Tropicbirds and also to see a few young birds in the nest. We then re-boarded the boat and a few people went snorkelling. The one main point of the snorkelling was a grey Sea Snake with yellow stripes. We got off the boat at Anakao and had lunch at Safari Vezo, and here we saw plenty of Sakalava Weavers and Olive Bee-eaters. To our amazement, we saw a female Littoral Rock Thrush over lunch, and after lunch we found the male Littoral Rock Thrush by Gareth Robbins Littoral Rock Thrush sitting on top of a




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tree. After a superb day, we headed back to Tulear on a fairly bumpy ride with one large wave soaking most people on the boat – this was not the first time people in the group had been drenched! We left Tulear and boarded the bus to endure one of the longest bus rides we had had so far. We headed inland and made our way to the Zombitse National Park. Sadly, we couldn’t find the Madagascan Sandgrouse, but we did arrive in an area known as the Charcoal Mountains, and here we met three scouts that were planning to put us in touch with these elusive birds. Conclusively, we saw the sandgrouse in a well-camouflaged manner. The sandgrouse, though, got quite nervous and took flight. We were exhilarated: we saw all thirty-nine of them. Several moments later, we got closer to them before they took off again. Another bird we laid eyes on here was a Madagascan Hoopoe – for some it was for the first time ever! We arrived at Zombitse National Park Giant Coua by Gareth Robbins and met Serena, our local female guide for the day. Serena and her assistant helped us explore the park, showing us Hubbard’s Sportive Lemur, Verreaux’s Sifaka and a huge Oustalet’s Chameleon. Within the aspect of birding, we saw Giant Coua and Cuckoo-Roller. We persisted in trying to find the Apert’s Tetraka, but regrettably didn’t manage to. News spread like wildfire that there was a pair of owls located near the entrance of the park, but nobody was sure of what species of owl they were. There was a man standing quite far up the hillside summoning us to go to him, so we did. He showed us the Marsh Owl as it flew right in front of us and then landed a couple of metres away. The owl was then being mobbed by a Malagasy Kestrel. We enjoyed a brief lunch at the picnic site in the National Park, and over lunch we had a surprise visit from another Giant Coua. We then tried our luck with the Apert’s Tetraka and after some serious bush walking and obtaining numerous cuts on our skin, we eventually came into contact with these terrestrial Tetrakas! Now completely satisfied, we called it a day, climbed back onto the bus and headed to our deluxe lodge nestled in the mountain in the Isalo National Park. Before entering the park, we walked along the private landing strip and here we saw eight Madagascan Partridge with one male bird in particular posing really well for the cameras! We wined and dined in complete luxury that evening and even tried a few local Rums before retiring to our extravagant rooms. Verreaux’s Sifaka by Gareth Robbins

After a good night’s rest and a solid sleep, we indulged in a pleasant breakfast before leaving our beautiful hotel in the mountains. En route further




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east, in the direction of Ranomafana National Park, we had one strategic stop and that was to spend some time in Anja Park, which is home to some three-hundred Ring-tailed Lemurs. We met our local guide Samuel and his two scouts, and we made our way through the small reserve. Our first stop off point was to watch an Oustalet’s Chameleon catch a grasshopper that was placed on a stick. To be honest, besides on television programmes, I had never seen a Chameleon shoot out its tongue to catch prey, so it really was a spectacular sight. We came across the first family group of Ring-tailed Lemurs, all varying in age and size, and they all appeared to be healthy and happy. Samuel introduced us to a few extraordinary facts about the area and about the Ringtailed Lemurs, and just as we looked at the third group of the lemurs, Guillaume caught sight of a green female Oustalet’s Chameleon. We had our packed lunch with the backdrop of the Three Sisters (Huge Granite Batholiths) and a Hamerkop, Black-crowned Night Heron and a Dimorphic Egret at a rice paddy below. We then resumed our journey on the bus and continued for another five hours before arriving in the Ranomafana National Park. The weather was pretty poor, as there was much rain upon us for most of the late afternoon and into the night. There was a light drizzle in the air as we had breakfast, and this was a good sign that our birding would be satisfactory. We met our guide, Theo, and his assistant, and drove up the windy road to the top section of the National Park and onto a trail called Circuit Vohiparara. Soon after entering the forest, we could hear a Pitta-like Ground Roller call, and then a Pollen’s Vanga called too! We followed the call of the Pollen’s Vanga and then before we knew it, we were slap bang in the middle of a bird party, consisting of male and female Pollen’s Vangas, Tylas and White-headed Vangas and Madagascar Cuckooshrike. Straight after this commotion, a Pitta-like Ground Roller jumped right into view on an open branch for everybody to see and photograph. We then continued up the trail to gain some altitude, until we came to an area that was known to be a perfect spot for Velvet Asity. It did not take long at all for Theo to point out a poised male Velvet Asity perched in a tree right above the path. We walked a little further up the hill, hearing both Rufous-headed Ground Roller and Forest Rock Thrush, but we only managed to hear these birds in the end. Further up the mountainside, we saw some unusually small longbilled birds with short tails and these turned out to be Common Sunbird-Asities feeding on a flowering tree. We also came across Long-billed Bernieria and Grey-crowned Tetraka and on our way back down the hill, we heard a Brown Emutail Common Sunbird Asity by Gareth Robbins Pitta-like Ground Roller by Gareth Robbins




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call. It took us close to an hour to find this shy skulking bird moving through the tall grass like a mouse, and finally it flew out for most of us to get a glimpse of it. Furthermore, there was a family of Milne-Edward’s Sifakas on the way back to the bus. We stopped off for a little lunch before entering through the main section of the Ranomafana National Park. Theo encouraged us all to search a tree for a Southern Flat-tailed Gecko; everybody in the group found this cryptic animal sitting motionlessly on a thin branch. We made our way down the steep rows of stairs when another Pittalike Ground Roller flew across the path and sang loudly for all of us to hear it. We moved across the bridge over the Namorona River which bisects the park, and then we headed uphill. We had almost reached the top when we got news that Golden Bamboo Lemurs were about! These animals were the reason for the proclamation of the park and we Belted Chameleon by Gareth Robbins made a conscious effort to see these outstanding creatures. Within the clan of Golden Bamboo Lemures, Red-bellied Lemurs crashed the party. We continued with our journey, making our way to a well-known Brown Mesite area where we found Satanic Leaf-tailed Geckos. By this stage, the clouds had come over us and it was rather dark with grey and misty skies. Thunder and lightning then followed, so we took cover under a lookout section to wait out the storm. After the rain had subsided, we made our way back to the bus and back to our hotel to dry off and change clothes for dinner! Today was expected to be a long day of birding, as we had lost a good part of the afternoon due to heavy rainfall the day before. We headed back to the main section of the Ranomafana National Park and continued with our mission to locate Brown Mesite. After almost two hours of fast-paced walking and going up and down steep slopes, spotting Milne-Edward's Sifakas and Red Brown Lemurs, we reached our third stop where Theo told us to stand around and wait. Theo’s assistant guide, Ando, waited with us with his mobile phone in case we got the call we were all waiting for. As soon as we decided to head back to the bus the phone rang! We followed Ando down to the spot where Theo was waiting for us. We had to navigate down a very steep slope and as soon as we all gathered at the bottom of the slope, Theo and Ando were walking towards us hoarding two small dove-like birds. We got unbelievable views of two Brown Mesites, and most of us were able to take photographs too.


Cuckoo Roller by Gareth Robbins



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As we made our way back up, the rare Collared Nightjar was in sight! Once we got back up to the path, a Common Sunbird-Asity made an appearance and stood on a tree right in front of us! We then drove back up to the Circuit Vohiparara and persisted in trying to find Rufous-headed Ground Roller and a few other birds on the hitlist. Further along the trail, we came across Dark Newtonia, Long-billed Bernieria, Spectacled Tetraka and we heard the call of the Rufous-headed Ground Roller. We came into an area where another Rufous-headed Ground Roller was calling and we all gathered in a small section and waited patiently for the bird to arrive. Madagascan Yellowbrow was suddenly in sight, and then a few people saw the Rufous-headed Ground Roller; but, unfortunately, it was never to be seen again. Slightly dispirited, we made our way back to the lodge for a merited lunch before heading back out. Before lunch, we were treated to looks at O’Shaughnessy’s Chameleon by Gareth Robbins the huge resident Parson’s Chameleon in the lodge, which was brought to us to investigate, and we also spotted a Belted Chameleon up in the tree as we sat down on the outside terrace. Once we had had lunch, we hurried back up to the Circuit Vohiparara and continued with our Ground Roller Mission. We saw a few more Madagascan Yellowbrows and then walked up the hill as we heard the call of the ground roller. Luckily, the bird flew right in front of us across the ravine, enabling us all to see this rare bird clearly. We walked back to the bus and birded along the road, where we got onto an immature Forest Rock Thrush just before dark. We continued from here with our night walk and saw Rufous Mouse Lemur, a Brown Tree Frog and numerous chameleon species, such as Blue-legged, Nose-horned and O’Shaughnessy’s Chameleons. We then made our way back for a delectable dinner and had an early night’s sleep before our long bus drive back to Antananarivo the following day. We left our lodge after yet another early breakfast and made our way back to Antananarivo. A twelve-hour bus drive was expected, so everybody found a comfortable seat on the bus and had various ways of entertaining themselves along the way. The usual suspects were seen, such as Malagasy Kestrel, Dimorphic, Great and Cattle Egrets, a Hamerkop and a Malagasy Kingfisher. We arrived at the southern part of the city of Antananarivo and it was pouring with rain. Our worst fears were reached: rain in Antananarivo means more traffic! After three hours of sitting in traffic and our incredibly long bus ride, we arrived at our hotel. We had a late flight to Mahajanga today, so we spent most of the day relaxing at our hotel. After lunch, we made our way to the airport to be greeted with the news


Coquerel’s Sifakas by Gareth Robbins



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that our flight was delayed for a few hours. After patiently waiting, the plane arrived and we eagerly tried to board. It was fairly late in the day, but we still had some light to search for the Sooty Falcon, which is renowned for hanging around the airport. As soon as we crossed the tarmac, we saw two birds sitting on the floodlight boxes. The delayed flight was most welcome, as we got to see these extraordinary birds. We landed in the hot, dry and lethargic coastal town of Mahajanga, quickly loaded the bus and went to a nearby food takeaway shop and made the almost three-hour journey to the Ankarafantsika National Park, where we were going to stay for the next two nights. After a short sleep, we all met, deprived of rest, for some coffee and tea before we headed out. We met our guides, Jacky White-breasted Mesites by John Caddick and Lanto, and proceeded by bus to the area best known to see Schlegel’s Asity. As we made our way past the dam, we noticed two large dark birds sitting next to the water’s edge. We got out the bus and put the scope on the birds, and we saw that these large birds were, in fact, Madagascan Fish Eagles. We then followed Jacky into the deciduous forest and immediately started to look for the asity. After a couple of minutes of walking, one of the guests pointed out a small streaked plump bird sitting right above the path, and this was indeed a female Schlegel’s Asity. Suddenly, the male bird arrived with some nesting material and we watched the bird fly up to the nest. We watched this spectacle for a good length of time and many photos were taken. The next moment, we heard somebody shout out that there was a Coquerel’s Coua. We then got back on the bus, had a much earlier than expected breakfast and then went back into the forest behind the restaurant. Jacky had a good plan which none of us really knew about, and that was spotting a Rufous Vanga on a nest, followed by views of Red-capped Couas and a Torotoroka Scops Owl on a day roost. We walked for quite a while and the temperatures picked up. Jacky was whistling the call of the Van Dam’s Vanga and, eventually, we got a reply. We walked right up to the Van Dam’s Vanga and had exceptional views of this normally hard to find bird. Other intriguing creatures we saw were Common Brown Lemurs and Coquerel’s Sifakas – definitely the best-looking sifaka in my opinion! We also saw Cuvier’s Schlegel’s Asity by Gareth Robbins Swift, Day Gecko, Madagascan Tree Snake, Mahafaly Sand Snake and Giant Hog-nosed Snake. We made our way back down to the lodge and had a delightful lunch. After a long and well-deserved siesta, we went out on a boat trip on the large dam right next to the lodge. We had closer views of Madagascan Fish Eagle and good looks at White-faced Whistling




15

Duck, Common Sandpiper, Three-banded Plover, Glossy Ibis, Malagasy Kingfisher, and Purple, Black, Squacco and Humblot’s Herons. We also had some good views of a couple of Nile Crocodiles! Before dinner, we went out on a very productive night walk; this was to be our last night walk of the trip, and what a great way to end it! We saw reptiles such as the large Oustalet’s Chameleon, Madagascar Velvet Gecko and Rhinoceros Chameleon. We saw a common Jery and a Malagasy Kingfisher leaping, and a couple of lemurs such as Grey Mouse Lemur and the rare Mongoose Lemur family with one baby. During dinner, we heard MilneEdward’s Sportive Lemurs calling and we successfully saw two Western Barn Owls screech and fly right overhead! This was by far one of the most incredible days of the tour!!!! It rained in the middle of the night and this cooled things down for us. However, we were expecting a very hot day ahead of us. We went back down to the dam to try our luck with the Madagascan Jacana, but we didn’t come across it. We did manage to get some good looks at Humblot’s Heron and Madagascan Fish Eagle. We then walked up to the higher elevation of deciduous forest before it got too hot, and here we got excellent views of a female Frances’s Sparrowhawk before she sat in the nest. Our next target was the Whitebreasted Mesite – we eventually heard the bird calling and we saw it briefly before it disappeared out of sight. We then Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher by visited another spot, where we had phenomenal views of this Gareth Robbins strange looking bird crossing the path right in front of us. We went back to the hotel for breakfast and then had a look at the dam for any hopes of Jacanas, but had no luck. We re-visited the Schlegel’s Asity nest and spent a bit of time photographing and observing these beautiful and usually difficult to find birds. We had lunch and then left or… well… tried to leave the National Park, but the bus broke down. With some swift negotiating skills, Guillaume organised us another bus and within an hour we were back on the road. Along the way back to Mahajanga, we saw a couple of Yellow-billed Kites hanging around some fields that were being burned. Our new bus driver had eaten something bad and had to make an emergency stop, and in doing so he flushed up two Madagascan Nightjars for us to look at. We made it back to our hotel next to the ocean in Mahajanga and after dinner, a huge thunderstorm hit which made a few people nervous for the following morning’s boat trip. After a heavy storm the night before, we awoke to a fairly clear day with a very calm ocean. After breakfast, we took a short drive down to the beach where we boarded the boat to take us to the Betsiboka Delta. We drove to the ocean where the boat was moored, and as we walked up to the boat, a

Saunders Tern by Gareth Robbins




16

couple of us noticed House Sparrows in the garden of the restaurant. The boat trip took us an hour to get to the delta and along the way we saw a couple of Greater-crested Terns, and the utter highlight was seeing around forty Saunders’s Terns. Every now and then, these terns would dive into the water to catch some food. As soon as we entered the Betsiboka Delta, we had a quick glimpse of a Malagasy Sacred Ibis flying overhead and behind the boat. We also saw a male Frances’s Sparrowhawk and a sub-adult Madagascan Harrier-Hawk perched on a tree stump and it was calling. We finally came across a Malagasy Sacred Ibis sitting in a tree and the boat quietly and elegantly drifted past. The tide was perfect and the mud was just recently exposed, so there was fresh food for the shorebirds. We saw Common, Terek and Curlew Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, Common Ringed and White-fronted Plover and Malagasy Sacred Ibis feeding along the shore. We headed back to Mahajanga and had a gorgeous lunch before setting off to a wetland in the town. When we arrived at the wetland, we were very happy to see that the wetland was not dry. The most interesting sighting was of two very rare Madagascan Harrier-Hawk by Gareth Robbins African Openbills. We managed to get some good scope views of the different looking openbills and walked around the wetland. After getting stuck in the mud and dealing with confused local security guards, we headed back to the lodge where we had an early dinner and flew on the rare and on-time Air Madagascar flight back to Antananarivo. Some members of the group had connecting flights, and we all had one last drink at the hotel before everybody went in their separate directions, with some people leaving the following day. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded. List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

Birds (178 in total: 177 seen, 1 heard) Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2017. IOC World Bird List (v 7.2). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae White-faced Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna viduata

(10) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 heard Belalanda 10.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.




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Sarkidiornis melanotos

Knob-billed Duck (1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Anas melleri

Meller's Duck (EN) (1) 1 Mantadia NP 2.11.

Anas erythrorhyncha

Red-billed Teal

(3) 1 Mantadia NP 2.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Anas hottentota

Hottentot Teal

(3) 1 Mantadia NP 2.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11 and 1 Belalanda 11.11.

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae Margaroperdix madagarensis

Madagascan Partridge (2) 1 Mantadia NP 5.11 and 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11.

Grebes Podicipedidae Tachybaptus ruficollis capensis

Little Grebe (2) 1 heard Belalanda 10.11 and 1 Belalanda 11.11.

Tachybaptus pelzelnii

Madagascan Grebe (VU) (1) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Phoenicopterus roseus

Greater Flamingo (2) 1 Belalanda 10.11 and 1 Belalanda 11.11.

Tropicbirds Phaethontidae Red-tailed Tropicbird

Phaethon rubricauda rubricauda

(1) 1 Nosy Ve 12.11.

Storks Ciconiidae African Openbill


Anastomus lamelligerus madagascariensis



18

(1) 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Threskiornis bernieri bernieri

Malagasy Sacred Ibis (EN) (1) 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Plegadis falcinellus

Glossy Ibis

(2) 1 Ranomafana to Isalo NP 14.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Lophotibis cristata

Madagascan Ibis (NT) (2) 1 Andasibe 3.11 and 1 Mantadia NP 5.11.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Little Bittern

Ixobrychus minutus podiceps

(2) 1 Antananarivo 7.11 and 1 Belalanda 11.11. Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax

(5) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, Ifaty pans 10.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Striated Heron

Butorides striata rutenbergi

(8) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Squacco Heron

Ardeola ralloides

(10) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Antananarivo 8.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Malagasy Pond Heron (EN)

Ardeola idae

(3) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Western Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

(15) 1 Antananarivo 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, up to 1 Ankarafantsika NP 18-20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea firasa

(4) 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.




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Ardea humbloti

Humblot's Heron (EN)

(3) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Ardea purpurea madagascariensis

Purple Heron

(4) 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Ardea alba melanorhynchos

Great Egret

(14) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Antananarivo 8.11, 1 Ifaty pans 9.11, 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Nosy Ve 12.11, 1 Ranomafana to Isalo NP 14.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Egretta ardesiaca

Black Heron

(9) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Andasibe 5.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Egretta dimorpha

Dimorphic Egret

(12) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Nosy Ve 12.11, 1 Ranomafana to Isalo NP 14.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Hamerkop Scopidae Scopus umbretta umbretta

Hamerkop (2) 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11.

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Madagascan Harrier-Hawk

Polyboroides radiatus

(1) 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Madagascan Cuckoo-Hawk

Aviceda madagascariensis

(1) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11. Frances's Sparrowhawk

Accipiter francesiae francesiae

(5) 1 Mangily 9.11, 1 Mangily 10.11, 1 Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Madagascan Sparrowhawk (NT)


Accipiter madagascariensis



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(2) 1 Andasibe 3.11 and 1 Parc Mosa 9.11. Accipiter henstii

Henst's Goshawk (NT) (1) 1 heard Ranomafana NP 16.11. Yellow-billed Kite

Milvus aegyptius parasitus

(9) 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Mahajanga to Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Madagascan Fish Eagle (CR)

Haliaeetus vociferoides

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Madagascan Buzzard

Buteo brachypterus

(9) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, up to 1 Ranomafana NP 14-16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Mesites Mesitornithidae White-breasted Mesite (VU)

Mesitornis variegatus

(1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Brown Mesite (VU)

Mesitornis unicolor

(1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Subdesert Mesite (VU)

Monias benschi

(1) 1 Parc Mosa 9.11.

Flufftails Sarothruridae Madagascan Wood Rail

Canirallus kioloides

(4) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Madagascan Flufftail

Sarothrura insularis

(2) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11 and 1 heard Antorotorofotsy 5.11.

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Madagascan Rail (VU)

Rallus madagascariensis

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11. White-throated Rail


Dryolimnas cuvieri cuvieri



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(7) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, up to 1 Andasibe 3-5.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 heard Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 heard Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Baillon's Crake

Porzana pusilla intermedia

(1) 1 Belalanda 10.11. African Swamphen

Porphyrio madagascariensis

(1) 1 Belalanda 10.11. Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus pyrrhorrhoa

(4) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11 and 1 Mahajanga 20.11.

Buttonquails Turnicidae Madagascan Buttonquail

Turnix nigricollis

(4) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11 and 1 Zombitse NP 13.11.

Crab Plover Dromadidae Crab-plover

Dromas ardeola

(2) 1 Nosy Ve 12.11.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus

(3) Up to 1 Belalanda 9-11.11.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola squatarola

(3) 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Nosy Ve 12.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula tundrae

(4) Up to 1 Belalanda 9-11.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Madagascan Plover (VU)

Charadrius thoracicus

(1) 1 Ifaty pans 10.11. Kittlitz's Plover


Charadrius pecuarius



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(4) 1 Ifaty pans 10.11 and 1 Belalanda 11.11. Charadrius tricollaris bifrontatus

Three-banded Plover (1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11.

Charadrius marginatus tenellus

White-fronted Plover

(3) 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Nosy Ve 12.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Charadrius mongolus pamirensis

Lesser Sand Plover (1) 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Charadrius leschenaultii scythicus

Greater Sand Plover

(3) 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Painted-Snipes Rostratulidae Rostratula benghalensis

Greater Painted-snipe

(3) 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Madagascan Snipe (VU)

Gallinago macrodactyla

(1) 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11. Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

(5) 1 Mangily 9.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Common Greenshank

Tringa nebularia

(3) 1 Mangily 9.11 and 1 Ifaty pans 10.11. Terek Sandpiper

Xenus cinereus

(2) 1 Belalanda 10.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos

(6) 1 Mangoro River 3.11, 1 Mangoro River 6.11, 1 Belalanda 9.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres interpres

(2) 1 Ifaty pans 10.11 and 1 Nosy Ve 12.11. Curlew Sandpiper


Calidris ferruginea



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(4) 1 Mangily 9.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Calidris alba alba

Sanderling (3) 1 Nosy Ve 12.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Calidris minuta

Little Stint (2) 1 Belalanda 10.11 and 1 Belalanda 11.11.

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Thalasseus bergii thalassinus

Greater Crested Tern (2) 1 Nosy Ve 12.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Lesser Crested Tern

Thalasseus bengalensis bengalensis

(1) 1 Nosy Ve 12.11. Saunders's Tern

Sternula saundersi

(1) 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Madagascan Sandgrouse

Pterocles personatus

(1) 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove

Columba livia var. domestica

(16) 1 Antananarivo 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Andasibe 5.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Antananarivo 7.11, 1 Antananarivo 8.11, 1 Tulear 9.11, 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Mangily 11.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 Ranomafana to Isalo NP 14.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Mahajanga 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Malagasy Turtle Dove

Nesoenas picturatus picturatus

(12) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Parc Mosa 9.11, 1 Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Tulear 13.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Namaqua Dove

Oena capensis aliena

(8) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 La Table 9.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 Mangily 11.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.




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Treron australis

Madagascan Green Pigeon (2) 1 Andasibe 6.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Madagascan Blue Pigeon

Alectroenas madagascariensis

(6) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Malagasy Coucal

Centropus toulou toulou

(16) 1 heard Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 heard Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 heard Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Crested Coua

Coua cristata

(6) 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 heard Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Verreaux's Coua (NT)

Coua verreauxi

(1) 1 La Table 9.11. Blue Coua

Coua caerulea

(6) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 heard Ranomafana NP 16.11. Red-capped Coua

Coua ruficeps

(5) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Coquerel's Coua

Coua coquereli

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Running Coua

Coua cursor

(3) 1 heard La Table 9.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11 and 1 Parc Mosa 11.11. Giant Coua

Coua gigas

(1) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11. Red-breasted Coua

Coua serriana

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 5.11. Madagascan Cuckoo


Cuculus rochii



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(9) 1 heard Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 heard Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Barn-Owls Tytonidae Tyto alba

Western Barn Owl (2) 1 Mangily 10.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11.

Owls Strigidae Otus madagascariensis

Torotoroka Scops Owl

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 heard Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Otus rutilus

Rainforest Scops Owl

(3) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Andasibe 5.11 and 1 heard Andasibe 6.11. Asio madagascariensis

Madagascan Owl (1) 1 Andasibe 3.11.

Asio capensis hova

Marsh Owl (1) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Gactornis enarratus

Collared Nightjar (2) 1 Andasibe 3.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Madagascan Nightjar

Caprimulgus madagascariensis madagascariensis

(10) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Andasibe 5.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 6.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 7.11, 1 heard Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, up to 1 Mangily 9-11.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Mahajanga to Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Swifts Apodidae Madagascan Spinetail

Zoonavena grandidieri grandidieri

(2) 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 2.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11. African Palm Swift


Cypsiurus parvus gracilis



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(9) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 9.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, up to 1 Ranomafana NP 15-17.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Mahajanga to Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Tachymarptis melba willsi

Alpine Swift (1) 1 Ranomafana to Isalo NP 14.11.

Apus balstoni balstoni

Malagasy Black Swift

(4) 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Apus affinis

Little Swift

(3) 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11 and 1 Antananarivo 18.11.

Cuckoo-Roller Leptosomidae Leptosomus discolor discolor

Cuckoo Roller

(9) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 heard Andasibe 6.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Rollers Coraciidae Eurystomus glaucurus glaucurus

Broad-billed Roller

(8) 1 heard Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Ground-Rollers Brachypteraciidae Short-legged Ground Roller (VU)

Brachypteracias leptosomus

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11. Scaly Ground Roller (VU)

Geobiastes squamiger

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11. Pitta-like Ground Roller

Atelornis pittoides

(2) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11. Rufous-headed Ground Roller (NT)

Atelornis crossleyi

(2) 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.




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Uratelornis chimaera

Long-tailed Ground Roller (VU) (2) 1 Parc Mosa 9.11 and 1 Parc Mosa 11.11.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher

Corythornis madagascariensis

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 5.11. Malagasy Kingfisher

Corythornis vintsioides vintsioides

(11) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Olive Bee-eater

Merops superciliosus superciliosus

(15) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Mangily 9.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Anakao 12.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Hoopoes Upupidae Madagascan Hoopoe

Upupa marginata

(9) 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 2.11, 1 heard Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 heard Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Malagasy Kestrel

Falco newtoni newtoni

(18) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tulear 8.11, 1 Mangily 9.11, 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 Ranomafana to Isalo NP 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Mahajanga to Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Sooty Falcon (NT)


Falco concolor



28

(1) 1 Antananarivo 18.11.

Old World Parrots Psittaculidae Greater Vasa Parrot

Coracopsis vasa

(5) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11 and up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11. Lesser Vasa Parrot

Coracopsis nigra

(7) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Parc Mosa 9.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Grey-headed Lovebird

Agapornis canus

(7) 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11, 1 Ranomafana to Isalo NP 14.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Broadbills Eurylaimidae Velvet Asity

Philepitta castanea

(2) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Schlegel's Asity (NT)

Philepitta schlegeli

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Common Sunbird-Asity

Neodrepanis coruscans

(2) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Vangas Vangidae Red-tailed Vanga

Calicalicus madagascariensis

(7) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 heard Ranomafana NP 16.11. Red-shouldered Vanga (VU)

Calicalicus rufocarpalis

(1) 1 La Table 9.11. Hook-billed Vanga

Vanga curvirostris

(5) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 heard Parc Mosa 11.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Lafresnaye's Vanga

Xenopirostris xenopirostris

(3) Up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11.




Van Dam's Vanga (EN)

29

Xenopirostris damii

(1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Pollen's Vanga (NT)

Xenopirostris polleni

(2) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Sickle-billed Vanga

Falculea palliata

(4) 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 heard Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. White-headed Vanga

Artamella viridis

(7) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Chabert Vanga

Leptopterus chabert

(8) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Mangoro River 6.11, 1 Parc Mosa 9.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Blue Vanga

Cyanolanius madagascarinus madagascarinus

(5) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Mangoro River 6.11, 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Rufous Vanga

Schetba rufa

(2) 1 Andasibe 6.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Tylas Vanga

Tylas eduardi

(5) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Nuthatch Vanga

Hypositta corallirostris

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 5.11. Dark Newtonia

Newtonia amphichroa

(2) 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Common Newtonia

Newtonia brunneicauda

(11) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Archbold's Newtonia

Newtonia archboldi

(1) 1 Parc Mosa 11.11. Ward's Flycatcher


Pseudobias wardi



30

(3) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Crossley's Vanga

Mystacornis crossleyi

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11.

Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae Madagascan Cuckooshrike

Coracina cinerea

(5) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11.

Drongos Dicruridae Crested Drongo

Dicrurus forficatus forficatus

(17) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11, 1 Tulear 12.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher

Terpsiphone mutata mutata

(12) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Pied Crow

Corvus albus

(12) 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Tulear 8.11, 1 Belalanda 9.11, 1 Mangily 10.11, 1 Mangily 11.11, 1 Nosy Ve 12.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Mahajanga to Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Larks Alaudidae Madagascan Lark

Eremopterix hova

(7) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Isalo NP to Toliara 13.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.




31

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Hypsipetes madagascariensis madagascariensis

Malagasy Bulbul

(19) 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 heard Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 7.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11, 1 Tulear 12.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Swallows Hirundinidae Phedina borbonica madagascariensis

Mascarene Martin

(3) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 9.11, 1 Antananarivo 18.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Riparia paludicola cowani

Brown-throated Martin (1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11.

Hirundo rustica rustica

Barn Swallow

(4) 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11 and 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11.

Reed-Warblers and Allies Acrocephalidae Malagasy Brush Warbler

Nesillas typica

(6) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Subdesert Brush Warbler

Nesillas lantzii

(5) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 9.11, 1 heard Belalanda 10.11 and 1 heard Belalanda 11.11. Madagascan Swamp Warbler

Acrocephalus newtoni

(4) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11 and 1 Belalanda 11.11.

Grassbirds and Allies Locustellidae Brown Emutail

Bradypterus brunneus

(2) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 heard Ranomafana NP 16.11. Grey Emutail

Amphilais seebohmi

(1) 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11.




32

Malagasy Warblers Bernieridae White-throated Oxylabes

Oxylabes madagascariensis

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11. Long-billed Bernieria

Bernieria madagascariensis

(5) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Cryptic Warbler

Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 5.11. Wedge-tailed Jery

Hartertula flavoviridis

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11. Thamnornis

Thamnornis chloropetoides

(1) 1 Parc Mosa 10.11. Spectacled Tetraka

Xanthomixis zosterops

(5) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Appert's Tetraka

Xanthomixis apperti

(1) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11. Grey-crowned Tetraka

Xanthomixis cinereiceps

(1) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11. Madagascan Yellowbrow (NT)

Crossleyia xanthophrys

(1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Rand's Warbler

Randia pseudozosterops

(3) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 heard Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Cisticolas and Allies Cisticolidae Common Jery

Neomixis tenella

(17) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 heard Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11, 1 Nosy Ve 12.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Green Jery


Neomixis viridis



33

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11. Neomixis striatigula

Stripe-throated Jery

(6) 1 heard Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11 and 1 Zombitse NP 13.11. Cisticola cherina

Madagascan Cisticola

(8) 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 heard Tulear 8.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 heard Belalanda 11.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies Zosteropidae Malagasy White-eye

Zosterops maderaspatanus maderaspatanus

(11) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 8.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Starlings Sturnidae Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis tristis

(18) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mangoro River 6.11, 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11, 1 Tulear 8.11, 1 Ifaty pans 10.11, 1 Tulear 11.11, 1 Tulear 12.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 13.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Antananarivo 17.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Madagascan Starling

Hartlaubius auratus

(3) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Madagascan Magpie-Robin

Copsychus albospecularis

(16) 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 7.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11. Littoral Rock Thrush

Monticola imerina

(1) 1 Nosy Ve 12.11. Forest Rock Thrush


Monticola sharpei



34

(2) 1 heard Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Saxicola sibilla

Madagascan Stonechat

(8) 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Antananarivo to Andasibe 6.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 7.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 8.11 and 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11.

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Cinnyris sovimanga

Souimanga Sunbird

(18) 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 911.11, 1 Zombitse NP 13.11, 1 Jardin Du Roy 14.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Antsirabe to Ranomafana 17.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Cinnyris notatus notatus

Malagasy Green Sunbird

(7) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae Passer domesticus

House Sparrow (2) 1 Antananarivo 7.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Weavers and Allies Ploceidae Nelicourvi Weaver

Ploceus nelicourvi

(4) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Sakalava Weaver

Ploceus sakalava

(7) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, up to 1 Parc Mosa 9-11.11, 1 Anakao 12.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Red Fody

Foudia madagascariensis

(12) 1 Alarobia Lake 2.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 3.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, up to 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 6-8.11, 1 Parc Mosa 10.11, 1 Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Tulear 12.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11. Forest Fody


Foudia omissa



35

(2) 1 Andasibe 3.11 and 1 Mantadia NP 4.11.

Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae Madagascan Mannikin

Lepidopygia nana

(11) 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Antorotorofotsy 5.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Mahajanga 21.11.

Wagtails and Pipits Motacillidae Madagascan Wagtail

Motacilla flaviventris

(9) 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 2.11, 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 7.11, up to 1 Ranomafana NP 14-17.11 and 1 Relais des Plateaux, Antanetibe Ivato, Antananarivo. 18.11.

Mammals (32 in total: 31 seen, 1 heard) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Tenrecs Tenrecidae Lowland Streaked Tenrec

Hemicentetes semispinosus

(1) 1 Mantadia NP 5.11.

Lemurs Lemuridae Brown Lemur

Eulemur fulvus

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Mongoose Lemur

Eulemur mongoz

(1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Red-bellied Lemur

Eulemur rubriventer

(1) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11. Red Brown Lemur


Eulemur rufus



36

(1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Hapalemur aureus

Golden Bamboo Lemur (1) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11.

Hapalemur griseus

Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur

(5) 1 Andasibe 6.11, 1 Belalanda 10.11, 1 Belalanda 11.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Lemur catta

Ring-tailed Lemur Observed 1 day in total.

Prolemur simus

Greater Bamboo Lemur (1) 1 Andasibe 6.11.

Varecia variegata

Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur

(2) 1 heard Mantadia NP 4.11 and 1 heard Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Sportive Lemurs Lepilemuridae Lepilemur hubbardorum

Hubbard's Sportive Lemur (1) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11. Small-toothed Sportive Lemur

Lepilemur microdon

(1) 1 Andasibe 5.11. Lepilemur petteri

Petter's Sportive Lemur (1) 1 Parc Mosa 11.11.

Dwarf and Mouse Lemurs Cheirogaleidae Furry-eared Dwarf Lemur

Cheirogaleus crossleyi

(2) 1 Andasibe 3.11 and 1 Andasibe 5.11. Western Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur

Cheirogaleus medius

(2) 1 Mangily 10.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Grey-brown Mouse Lemur

Microcebus griseorufus

(3) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11, 1 Mangily 9.11 and 1 Mangily 10.11. Goodman's Mouse Lemur


Microcebus lehilahytsara



37

(2) 1 Andasibe 3.11 and 1 Andasibe 5.11. Microcebus murinus

Grey Mouse-lemur (2) 1 Mangily 10.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Rufous Mouse Lemur

Microcebus rufus

(1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Indrid Lemurs, Sifakas Indriidae Eastern Woolly Lemur

Avahi laniger

(1) 1 Andasibe 5.11. Indri indri

Indri

(4) 1 heard Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 heard Mantadia NP 5.11 and 1 Andasibe 6.11. Coquerel's Sifaka

Propithecus coquereli

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Propithecus diadema

Diademed Sifaka (1) 1 Andasibe 3.11. Milne-Edward’s Sifaka

Propithecus edwardsi

(2) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Verreaux's Sifaka

Propithecus verreauxi

(1) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11.

True Mice and Rats, Gerbils, Spiny Mice, Crested Rat Muridae House Rat

Rattus rattus

(2) 1 Tsimbazaza Zoo 7.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Climbing Mice, Rock Mice, White-tailed Rat, Malagasy Rats and Mice Nesomyidae White-tailed Tree Rat

Brachytarsomys albicauda

(1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Eastern Red Forest Rat

Nesomys rufus





38

Malagasy Carnivores Eupleridae Galidia elegans

Malagasy Ring-tailed Mongoose (1) 1 Mantadia NP 5.11.

Oceanic Dolphins Delphinidae Grampus griseus

Risso's Dolphin

(2) 1 Nosy Ve 12.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. Tursiops aduncus

Indo-pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (1) 1 Betsiboka delta 21.11.

Old World Leafnose Bats Hipposideridae Hipposideros commersoni

Commerson's Leaf-nosed Bat (1) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11.

Reptiles (25 in total: 25 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Afro-American Sideneck Turtles Pelomedusidae Helmeted Turtle

Pelomedusa subrufa

Observed 1 day in total.

Chameleons Chamaeleonidae Side-striped Chameleon

Trioceros bitaeniatus

(1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Short-horned Chameleon

Calumma brevicorne

(1) 1 Andasibe 3.11. Blue-legged chameleon

Calumma crypticum





39

Calumma nasutum

Nose-horned Chameleon (1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Calumma oshaughnessyi

O'Shaughnessy's Chameleon (1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Calumma parsonii

Parson's Chameleon

(4) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Andasibe 5.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. Furcifer balteatus

Tusked Chameleon (1) 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11.

Furcifer oustaleti

Oustalet's Chameleon (2) 1 Zombitse NP 13.11.

Furcifer rhinoceratus

Furcufer rhinoceratus (1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11.

Furcifer verrucosus

Furcufer verrucosus (1) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11.

Iguanas Iguanidae Madagascar Iguana

Chalarodon madagascariensis

(3) 1 Parc Mosa 11.11, 1 Nosy Ve 12.11 and 1 Zombitse NP 13.11. Cuvier's Madagascar Swift

Oplurus cuvieri

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Merrem's Madagascar Swift

Oplurus cyclurus

(2) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11 and 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 10.11.

Geckos Gekkonidae Blaesodactylus sakalava (1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11. House Gecko

Hemidactylus mabouia

(2) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 8.11 and 1 Mangily 11.11. Striped Day Gecko


Phelsuma lineata



40

(3) 1 Mantadia NP 4.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11. Phelsuma madagascariensis

Madagascar Day Gecko

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11. Phelsuma standingi

Standing's Day Gecko (2) 1 Mangily 9.11 and 1 Zombitse NP 13.11.

Uroplatus phantasticus (1) 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11. Uroplatus sikorae

Southern Flat-tail Gecko (2) 1 Andasibe 5.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11.

Plated Lizards Gerrhosauridae Zonosaurus laticaudatus

Western Girdled Lizard

(4) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 5.11, 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Lamprophiidae Lamprophiidae Leioheterodon madagascariensis

Giant Hog-nosed Snake (1) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11.

Mimophis mahfalensis madagascariensis

Mahafaly Sand Snake

(2) 1 Arboretum d'Antsokay, Tolliara 9.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11.

Crocodiles and relatives Crocodylidae Crocodylus niloticus madagascariensis

Nile Crocodile

(2) 1 Ankarafantsika NP 19.11 and 1 Ankarafantsika NP 20.11.

Amphibians (1 in total: 1 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Madagascar frogs Mantellidae




41

Boophis luteus (4) 1 heard Andasibe 3.11, 1 heard Andasibe 5.11, 1 Ranomafana NP 14.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 15.11.

Insects (1 in total: 1 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Leaf-rolling beetles Attelabidae Giraffe Weevil

Trachelophorus giraffa

(3) 1 Andasibe 3.11, 1 Mantadia NP 4.11 and 1 Ranomafana NP 16.11. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Rockjumper Birding Ltd River View Commercial Centre Black River Mauritius


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