Madagascar is home to a wide variety of unique and spectacular birds. Located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar has been isolated for millions of years and as a result has developed incredible biodiversity, with over half of its bird species being endemic (found nowhere else on Earth). In total, there are around 280 species of birds that can be found on the island.
Endemic Bird Families
There are five bird families that are entirely unique to Madagascar:
- Mesitornithidae – Mesites
- Brachypteraciidae – Ground-rollers
- Leptosomidae – Cuckoo-roller
- Philepittidae – Asities
- Vangidae – Vangas
These families showcase the distinctive evolutionary path that birds in Madagascar have taken. Many of them fill ecological niches that on other landmasses would be occupied by completely unrelated bird groups.
Mesites
The mesite family contains only one living species – the subdesert mesite. Mesites are medium-sized terrestrial birds that have long legs and short, rounded wings. They are weak fliers and spend most of their time on the ground searching for insects and seeds. The subdesert mesite is found in dry scrubland habitat.
Ground-Rollers
Ground-rollers get their name from the way they feed, rolling over along the ground to catch insects and worms. There are 11 different species within this family, including the long-tailed ground roller and the scaly ground roller. They have colorful plumage in different patterns of blues, oranges, and blacks. Most species are found in forest habitat.
Cuckoo-Roller
The cuckoo-roller is the only species in its family. It is a relatively large bird with a curved black bill and brown plumage. As the name suggests, it bears some resemblance to cuckoos but is not closely related. This unique species is found in a range of wooded habitats.
Asities
There are five species of asities, named for their bristly feathers near their eyes that resemble eyelashes. These insectivorous birds have enlarged gapes and bristles around their mouths that help them catch prey. Some species have bright yellow patches on their feathers. Asities frequent rainforest habitats, where they make loud, wailing calls.
Vangas
The vanga family is the most diverse endemic family of birds in Madagascar, with over 20 species. Vangas exhibit a wide range of sizes, colors, and bill shapes that allow them to utilize many ecological niches. Some species like the sickle-billed vanga have long, curved bills for probing into trees and under bark. Others like the chabert vanga have short, hooked bills for catching insects on the wing. Vangas can be found in most forest and scrubland habitats on the island.
Other Endemic Bird Species
In addition to the five endemic families, there are many endemic species from other families in Madagascar, including:
- Madagascan fish eagle – a large raptor found near waterways and coasts
- Madagascan serpent eagle – a bird of prey that feeds on snakes, lizards, and small mammals
- Madagascan owl – a reddish-brown owl found in rainforest and scrub habitat
- Madagascan buttonquail – a small, shy ground bird
- Madagascan blue pigeon – an iridescent blue and green pigeon
- Madagascan green pigeon – a bright green pigeon of the rainforest canopy
- Madagascan cuckoo – a small cuckoo heard more often than it is seen
- Long-billed tetriva – a rail with an exceptionally long, downcurved bill
- Crested coua – a brown cuckoo with a fan-like crest on its head
- Madagascan lark – a species of lark found only on Madagascar
In addition, there are over 40 endemic species of parrots and parakeets on the island. Most of these are rainforest species like the gray-headed lovebird, black parrot, and Madagascar red-breasted coua.
Native Bird Families
While the endemic families showcase Madagascar’s unique bird life, there are also many bird families that occur both in Madagascar and elsewhere. Here are some of the key native families:
Pigeons and Doves
Madagascar has eight native species of pigeons and doves, including the Madagascan blue pigeon, Madagascan green pigeon, Namaqua dove, and Madagascar turtle dove. These birds are found in a variety of habitats from forests to open scrubland.
Rails, Crakes, and Coots
There are seven native rail species, including the Madagascan rail, white-throated rail, and lesser moorhen. Rails tend to be secretive birds that prefer wetland habitats.
Cisticolas and Allies
This group includes small insectivorous songbirds like cisticolas, prinias, and apalises. In total there are nine native species in Madagascar, mostly found in grasslands and scrublands.
Sunbirds
Sunbirds are small, colorful, nectar-feeding birds related to hummingbirds. Three beautiful species can be found in Madagascar: the souimanga sunbird, the long-billed green sunbird, and the Madagascar sunbird.
Old World Flycatchers
This family includes small passerines that feed on flying insects. Madagascar has three endemic species (Madagascan paradise flycatcher, Rand’s flycatcher, and Madagascan magpie-robin) along with some more widespread species.
Crows, Jays, and Allies
There are five native species in this family, including the striking crested drongo and the hook-billed vanga. They occupy a variety of niches from open country to dense forest.
Swallows and Martins
Well-known aerial insectivores like swallows and martins have two endemic representatives in Madagascar: the Madagascar sand martin and Mascarene martin. Several widespread species are also regular migrants.
Migratory Birds
In addition to its incredible endemic diversity, Madagascar hosts migratory bird species arriving from Eurasia, Africa, and the Middle East during the northern winter. Migrants found in Madagascar include species like the barn swallow, common house martin, yellow wagtail, common sandpiper, and various birds of prey. Most migratory species are found in open wetland, grassland, and coastal habitats.
Introduced Birds
A few bird species have been introduced to Madagascar through human activities. Some are escaped cage birds like ring-necked parakeets, while others were intentionally introduced like the rock pigeon and common myna. These non-native species can negatively impact native Malagasy birds through competition and predation.
Habitats and Bird Diversity
Madagascar has a wide range of habitats that support diverse bird communities. Here is an overview of major habitat types and associated birds:
Rainforest
Madagascar was once mostly covered in tropical rainforest, but much of this habitat has now been cleared. Rainforest provides vital habitat for Madagascar’s many endemic birds. Characteristic birds include vangas, asities, ground-rollers, cuckoo-rollers, parrots, pigeons, sunbirds, and others.
Dry Deciduous Forest
In drier areas of western Madagascar, the tropical rainforest transitions to dry deciduous forest. Many birds are found in both rainforest and deciduous forest, but some specialists like the subdesert mesite inhabit only the deciduous regions.
Scrubland
Large areas of Madagascar are covered in dense scrubland comprised of plants like heather and philoxerus. This habitat supports species like the Madagascar buttonquail, crested coua, cisticolas, and souimanga sunbird.
Grassland
Open grasslands provide habitat for birds like the Madagascar lark, cisticolas, and migratory birds. Grasslands have expanded in recent decades as forests have declined.
Wetlands
Freshwater and coastal wetlands dotted around Madagascar support many waterbirds. Key groups include rails, herons, egrets, storks, ducks, and shorebirds. Many migratory species rely on wetlands for wintering habitat.
Mangroves
Coastal mangrove forests provide vital habitat for endemic birds like the Madagascar fish eagle, Madagascar sacred ibis, and Humblot’s heron. Mangroves have declined significantly, putting pressure on these species.
Conservation Challenges
Madagascar faces major conservation challenges that threaten its unique biodiversity. These issues also impact many endemic bird species:
- Habitat loss from deforestation, agriculture, grazing, fires, and urbanization
- Hunting and trapping for food, pets, and trade
- Invasive introduced species that compete with natives
- Climate change impacts like droughts, storms, and sea level rise
Dozens of Malagasy birds are threatened with extinction. Major conservation efforts are needed to protect rainforest habitats and to limit pressures like trapping and invasive species. Sustainable development approaches are key to balancing human needs with protection of Madagascar’s irreplaceable birds.
Conclusion
Madagascar provides a one-of-a-kind home for birds unmatched anywhere else on Earth. The island’s isolation over millions of years has allowed the evolution of entirely unique bird families alongside endemic species in many other families. Rainforests support the highest diversity, but Madagascar’s birds have adapted to all of the island’s varied habitats. However, deforestation and other increasing human pressures put many endemic birds at risk. Protecting the birds of Madagascar will require major habitat conservation efforts as well as limiting unsustainable practices.