Chabert Vanga
Leptopterus chabert
Small, black-and-white finch-like vanga. Shows a white patch at the base of the tail in the southwest, and an all-black tail elsewhere. Madagascar endemic that is found in all forest types, and sometimes in plantations and scrub. Constantly on the move, usually in small flocks. Frequently gives a dry “cha-bert” call. Smaller than White-headed Vanga, with a black cap. Also smaller than Blue Vanga, with a black rather than blue back.
Identification
The cabaret vanga only possess two colors, black and white. Their head and wings are a dark black. However, due to the sun, this black can often be seen as having a shiny blue tint to it. Their underparts are white like their chin and belly. The color of their tails differ from where they originate. If they are located in the southwest, the tail of the chabert vanga has a white patch at the base of the tail. If they are from anywhere else in the world, the whole entire tail of the chabert vanga is known to be black. The bill is a light blue color and their eyes also resemble a turquoise or cobalt blue. The juvenile of the cabaret vanga resembles the adult however, it lacks the blue eyes. The juveniles tend to look a shade paler due to the white streaks and white fingers on their back and wing feathers. The white streaks tend to fade as they grow older. There is little physical difference between the male and female chabert vanga.
Taxonomy
Genus: Leptopterus; Family: Vangidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Leptopterus chabert
- Authority
- (Müller, PLS, 1776)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Vangidae
- Genus
- Leptopterus
Range and habitat
The chabert vanga is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. They tend to reside on sea level and up to 1000m. Very occasionally they are found higher than 1000m above sea level.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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