Malagasy Kingfisher
Corythornis vintsioides
Small, gem-like wetland kingfisher. Found in almost all habitats with water, including streams, rivers, lakes, rice paddies, and along the coast. Sits motionless for long periods before plunging to the water to snatch prey. Call is a harsh “tshik,” often given in flight. Separated from Madagascar Pygmy-Kingfisher by blue upperparts and mostly dark bill. Prefers wetlands, whereas Pygmy-Kingfisher is found in forest.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Corythornis vintsioides
- Authority
- (Eydoux & Gervais, 1836)
- Order
- Coraciiformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Corythornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-breasted Antbird
Rhegmatorhina hoffmannsi
Striking antbird with a conspicuous white throat and breast. Males have a black cap, brown back, and gray belly, while females have a cinnamon cap and underparts scaled black-and-chestnut. Note the bare yellowish eyering in both sexes. Found in humid forest, where it forages in the understory, exclusively around army-ant swarms. The song is a descending series of whistled notes, finishing with a few harsh sharp notes.
Madagascar Hoopoe
Upupa marginata
Unmistakable orange, black, and white bird with a long crest that can be erected or flattened on the head. Shows a striking black-and-white pattern in floppy butterfly-like flight. Found throughout Madagascar in spiny forest, dry deciduous forest, scrub, and plantations at low and middle elevations. Scarce in the east and center. Feeds on the ground, usually in pairs. Nests in tree cavities. The song is a long, hollow trill.
Slate-colored Grosbeak
Saltator grossus
Stunning grosbeak, entirely slaty gray with striking white throat and thick bright red bill. Female similar but with duller orange bill. Found singly or in pairs, usually at middle levels in forests or edges, often following a mixed-species flock. Listen for the sweet, simple whistled song.
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