List of birds of Madagascar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Madagascar. The avifauna of Madagascar includes a total of 293 species, of which 105 are endemic, 6 have been introduced by humans, and 26 are rare or accidental. 30 species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Madagascar.
The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.
- (A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Madagascar.
- (E) Endemic A species endemic to Madagascar.
- (I) Introduced A species introduced to Madagascar as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.
[edit] Penguins
Order: Sphenisciformes Family: Spheniscidae
The penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid, and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes chrysocome (A)
[edit] Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Madagascar Grebe Tachybaptus pelzelnii (E)
[edit] Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 21 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans
- Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris (A)
- Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta
- Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos
- Sooty Albatross Phoebetria fusca
[edit] Shearwaters and Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus (A)
- Cape Petrel Daption capense (A)
- Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera
- Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis
- Barau's Petrel Pterodroma baraui
- Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila vittata (A)
- Salvin's Prion Pachyptila salvini (A)
- Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus
- Audubon's Shearwater Puffinus lherminieri (A)
[edit] Storm-Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
- Black-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta tropica
- White-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta grallaria
[edit] Tropicbirds
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings. There are 3 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus (A)
- Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda
- White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus
[edit] Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
[edit] Boobies and Gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Masked Booby Sula dactylatra
- Red-footed Booby Sula sula
- Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
[edit] Cormorants
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
[edit] Darters
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are frequently referred to as "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have a much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet, and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Darter Anhinga melanogaster
[edit] Frigatebirds
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black and white or completely black, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured throat pouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Great Frigatebird Fregata minor
- Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel
[edit] Bitterns, Herons and Egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Gray Heron Ardea cinerea
- Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala (A)
- Humblot's Heron Ardea humbloti (E)
- Goliath Heron Ardea goliath (A)
- Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
- Great Egret Ardea alba
- Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca
- Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis
- Little Egret Egretta garzetta
- Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
- Madagascar Pond-Heron Ardeola idae
- Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
- Striated Heron Butorides striata
- Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
- Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
[edit] Hammerkop
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Scopidae
The Hammerkop is a medium-sized bird with a long shaggy crest. The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. Its plumage is a drab brown all over.
- Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
[edit] Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis
- African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus
[edit] Ibises and Spoonbills
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae
The Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
- Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
- Madagascar Ibis Lophotibis cristata (E)
- African Spoonbill Platalea alba
[edit] Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
- Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
[edit] Ducks, Geese and Swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
- White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
- White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus
- Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
- African Pygmy-goose Nettapus auritus
- Bernier's Teal Anas bernieri (E)
- Meller's Duck Anas melleri (E)
- Red-billed Duck Anas erythrorhyncha
- Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota
- Madagascar Pochard Aythya innotata (E)
[edit] Hawks, Kites and Eagles
Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Baza Aviceda madagascariensis (E)
- Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus
- Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
- Black Kite Milvus migrans
- Madagascar Fish-eagle Haliaeetus vociferoides (E)
- Madagascar Serpent-eagle Eutriorchis astur (E)
- Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
- Reunion Harrier Circus maillardi
- Madagascar Harrier Polyboroides radiatus
- Frances's Goshawk Accipiter francesii
- Madagascar Sparrowhawk Accipiter madagascariensis (E)
- Henst's Goshawk Accipiter henstii (E)
- Madagascar Buzzard Buteo brachypterus (E)
[edit] Falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Kestrel Falco newtoni
- Banded Kestrel Falco zoniventris (E)
- Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
- Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
- Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
[edit] Pheasants and Partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Partridge Margaroperdix madagascarensis (E)
- Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
- Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei
[edit] Guineafowl
Order: Galliformes Family: Numididae
Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage. There are six species worldwide and one species has been introduced to Madagascar.
- Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris (I)
[edit] Mesites
Order: Gruiformes Family: Mesitornithidae
- White-breasted Mesite Mesitornis variegata (E)
- Brown Mesite Mesitornis unicolor (E)
- Subdesert Mesite Monias benschi (E)
[edit] Buttonquails
Order: Gruiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails.The female is the brighter of the sexes, and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Buttonquail Turnix nigricollis (E)
[edit] Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, flufftails, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Flufftail Sarothrura insularis (E)
- Slender-billed Flufftail Sarothrura watersi (E)
- Madagascar Wood-rail Canirallus kioloides (E)
- Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
- Madagascar Rail Rallus madagascariensis (E)
- White-throated Rail Dryolimnas cuvieri
- Corn Crake Crex crex
- Sakalava Rail Amaurornis olivieri (E)
- Little Crake Porzana parva
- Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla
- Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
- Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
- Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni
- Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
- Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
[edit] Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in the Tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
- Madagascar Jacana Actophilornis albinucha (E)
[edit] Painted snipe
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis
[edit] Crab Plover
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Dromadidae
The Crab Plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern. It has black and white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet and a bill designed for eating crabs.
- Crab Plover Dromas ardeola
[edit] Avocets and Stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
- Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta (A)
[edit] Pratincoles and Coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Pratincole Glareola ocularis
[edit] Plovers and Lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva (A)
- American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica
- Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
- Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
- Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
- Madagascar Plover Charadrius thoracicus (E)
- Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius
- Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris
- White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus
- Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus
- Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii
[edit] Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Snipe Gallinago macrodactyla (E)
- Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
- Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
- Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
- Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
- Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (A)
- Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
- Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus (A)
- Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola (A)
- Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
- Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
- Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
- Sanderling Calidris alba
- Little Stint Calidris minuta
- Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
- Dunlin Calidris alpina
- Ruff Philomachus pugnax
[edit] Skuas and Jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Madagascar.
- South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki
- Brown Skua Stercorarius antarctica
- Great Skua Stercorarius skua
- Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus (A)
[edit] Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii
- Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
- Gray-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus
[edit] Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica (A)
- Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
- Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
- Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
- Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii
- Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
- Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana
- Common Tern Sterna hirundo (A)
- Little Tern Sterna albifrons
- Saunders's Tern Sterna saundersi (A)
- Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum
- Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
- Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata
- Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
- White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (A)
- Black Tern Chlidonias niger (A)
- Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris
- Brown Noddy Anous stolidus
- White Tern Gygis alba (A)
[edit] Sandgrouse
Order: Pterocliformes Family: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Sandgrouse Pterocles personatus (E)
[edit] Pigeons and Doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Rock Pigeon Columba livia (I)
- Madagascar Turtle-dove Streptopelia picturata
- Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
- Zebra Dove Geopelia striata (I)
- Madagascar Green-pigeon Treron australis
- Madagascar Blue-pigeon Alectroenas madagascariensis (E)
[edit] Parrots, Macaws and allies
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Gray-headed Lovebird Agapornis canus (E)
- Vasa Parrot Coracopsis vasa
- Black Parrot Coracopsis nigra
[edit] Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti
- Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus
- Madagascar Cuckoo Cuculus rochii
- Giant Coua Coua gigas (E)
- Coquerel's Coua Coua coquereli (E)
- Red-breasted Coua Coua serriana (E)
- Red-fronted Coua Coua reynaudii (E)
- Red-capped Coua Coua ruficeps (E)
- Running Coua Coua cursor (E)
- Crested Coua Coua cristata (E)
- Verreaux's Coua Coua verreauxi (E)
- Blue Coua Coua caerulea (E)
- Madagascar Coucal Centropus toulou
[edit] Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Red Owl Tyto soumagnei (E)
- Barn Owl Tyto alba
[edit] Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Madagascar.
- African Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis
- Malagasy Scops-Owl Otus rutilus (E)
- Torotoroka Scops-Owl Otus madagascariensis (E)
- White-browed Owl Ninox superciliaris (E)
- Madagascar Long-eared Owl Asio madagascariensis (E)
- Marsh Owl Asio capensis
[edit] Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis
- Madagascar Nightjar Caprimulgus madagascariensis
- Collared Nightjar Caprimulgus enarratus (E)
[edit] Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Mascarene Swiftlet Aerodramus francicus (A)
- Malagasy Spinetail Zoonavena grandidieri
- African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
- Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
- African Swift Apus barbatus
- Madagascar Swift Apus balstoni
[edit] Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
- Malagasy Kingfisher Alcedo vintsioides
- Madagascar Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina madagascariensis (E)
[edit] Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Bee-eater Merops superciliosus
[edit] Typical Rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus
[edit] Ground-rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Brachypteraciidae
The ground-roller are a small family of non-migratory near-passerine birds. They resemble the true rollers. All 5 species are found only in Madagascar.
- Short-legged Ground-Roller Brachypteracias leptosomus (E)
- Scaly Ground-Roller Brachypteracias squamigera (E)
- Pitta-like Ground-Roller Atelornis pittoides (E)
- Rufous-headed Ground-Roller Atelornis crossleyi (E)
- Long-tailed Ground-Roller Uratelornis chimaera (E)
[edit] Cuckoo-roller
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Leptosomatidae
The Cuckoo-roller is an insectivorous meduim-sized bird of the forests of Madagascar and the Comoros. Unlike the true rollers and ground rollers, where the sexes have identical appearance, the male and female Cuckoo Roller have distinctive plumages. Males are mostly velvety grey. The back, tail, and wings are dark shiny green. They have a black eyestripe. Females and young birds are mostly brown marked with darker streaks.
- Cuckoo-roller Leptosomus discolor
[edit] Hoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Hoopoe Upupa epops
- Madagascar Hoopoe Upupa marginata (E)
[edit] Asities
Order: Passeriformes Family: Philepittidae
The asities are small plump bird, which are likely to be related to the broadbills. All 4 species are found only in Madagascar.
- Velvet Asity Philepitta castanea (E)
- Schlegel's Asity Philepitta schlegeli (E)
- Common Sunbird-asity Neodrepanis coruscans (E)
- Yellow-bellied Sunbird-asity Neodrepanis hypoxanthus (E)
[edit] Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Lark Mirafra hova (E)
[edit] Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Bank Swallow Riparia riparia (A)
- Plain Martin Riparia paludicola
- Mascarene Martin Phedina borbonica
- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (A)
[edit] Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Wagtail Motacilla flaviventris (E)
[edit] Cuckoo-shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckoo-shrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured. There are 82 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Ashy Cuckoo-shrike Coracina cinerea
[edit] Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throat or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.There are 130 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Long-billed Greenbul Phyllastrephus madagascariensis (E)
- Spectacled Greenbul Phyllastrephus zosterops (E)
- Appert's Greenbul Phyllastrephus apperti (E)
- Dusky Greenbul Phyllastrephus tenebrosus (E)
- Gray-crowned Greenbul Phyllastrephus cinereiceps (E)
- Madagascar Bulbul Hypsipetes madagascariensis
[edit] Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Forest Rock-Thrush Pseudocossyphus sharpei (E)
- Benson's Rock-Thrush Pseudocossyphus bensoni (E)
- Littoral Rock-Thrush Pseudocossyphus imerinus (E)
[edit] Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Cisticola Cisticola cherinus
[edit] Old World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are 291 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Brown Emu-tail Dromaeocercus brunneus (E)
- Gray Emu-tail Dromaeocercus seebohmi (E)
- Madagascar Brush-Warbler Nesillas typica (E)
- Thamnornis Thamnornis chloropetoides (E)
- Madagascar Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus newtoni (E)
- Rand's Warbler Randia pseudozosterops (E)
- Dark Newtonia Newtonia amphichroa (E)
- Common Newtonia Newtonia brunneicauda (E)
- Archbold's Newtonia Newtonia archboldi (E)
- Red-tailed Newtonia Newtonia fanovanae (E)
- Cryptic Warbler Cryptosylvicola randriansoloi (E)
[edit] Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Magpie Robin Copsychus albospecularis (E)
- African Stonechat Saxicola torquata
[edit] Wattle-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Platysteiridae
The wattle-eyes or puffback flycatchers are small stout passerine birds of the African tropics. They get their name from the brightly coloured fleshy eye decorations found in most species in this group. There are 31 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Ward's Flycatcher Pseudobias wardi (E)
[edit] Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines, which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone mutata
[edit] Babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Timaliidae
The babblers or timaliids are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are 270 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Common Jery Neomixis tenella (E)
- Green Jery Neomixis viridis (E)
- Stripe-throated Jery Neomixis striatigula (E)
- Wedge-tailed Jery Hartertula flavoviridis (E)
- White-throated Oxylabes Oxylabes madagascariensis (E)
- Yellow-browed Oxylabes Crossleyia xanthophrys (E)
- Crossley's Babbler Mystacornis crossleyi (E)
[edit] Sunbirds and Spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Souimanga Sunbird Cinnyris sovimanga
- Madagascar Sunbird Cinnyris notatus
[edit] White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and are mostly of undistinguished appearance, the plumage above being generally either some dull color like greenish olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests many species have a white ring around the eyes. There are 96 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Madagascar White-eye Zosterops maderaspatanus
[edit] Old World Orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus (A)
[edit] Vangas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vangidae
The vangas are shrike-like, arboreal forest birds, feeding on reptiles, frogs and insects. There are 15 species.
- Red-tailed Vanga Calicalicus madagascariensis (E)
- Red-shouldered Vanga Calicalicus rufocarpalis (E)
- Rufous Vanga Schetba rufa (E)
- Hook-billed Vanga Vanga curvirostris (E)
- Lafresnaye's Vanga Xenopirostris xenopirostris (E)
- Van Dam's Vanga Xenopirostris damii (E)
- Pollen's Vanga Xenopirostris polleni (E)
- Sickle-billed Vanga Falculea palliata (E)
- White-headed Vanga Artamella viridis (E)
- Chabert Vanga Leptopterus chabert (E)
- Blue Vanga Cyanolanius madagascarinus
- Bernier's Vanga Oriolia bernieri (E)
- Helmet Vanga Euryceros prevostii (E)
- Tylas Vanga Tylas eduardi (E)
- Nuthatch Vanga Hypositta corallirostris (E)
[edit] Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly are black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright whilst perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Crested Drongo Dicrurus forficatus
[edit] Crows, Jays, Ravens and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- Pied Crow Corvus albus
[edit] Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Starling Saroglossa aurata (E)
- Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (I)
[edit] Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Nelicourvi Weaver Ploceus nelicourvi (E)
- Sakalava Weaver Ploceus sakalava (E)
- Red Fody Foudia madagascariensis (E)
- Forest Fody Foudia omissa (E)
[edit] Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed-eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Madagascar.
- Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild (I)
- Madagascar Munia Lonchura nana (E)
[edit] Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Madagascar.
- House Sparrow Passer domesticus (I)
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Lepage, Denis. Checklist of birds of Madagascar. Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved on 27 April 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press, 880. ISBN 0934797161.