Forest Fody
Foudia omissa
Sparrow-like weaver in which red-hooded breeding males are distinctive, but females and non-breeding females are drab. Madagascar endemic that is found in and adjacent to rainforest, sometimes in flocks that may include other birds. Calls are high, silvery notes, given in long series as a song. Can be very similar to Red Fody. Breeding male Forest Fody lacks red on the back and belly, though molting male Red Fody can match this pattern. Females and non-breeding males very similar, but Forest Fody is darker and more greenish, with a larger bill. Hybrids are also common and further confuse identification. Unlike Red Fody, found in the rainforest interior.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Foudia omissa
- Authority
- Rothschild, 1912
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Foudia
Range and habitat
The forest fody ranges across eastern Madagascar from the northern to the southern ends of the island. There are a few outlier populations in the southwest of the island, including on the Isalo and Analavelona massifs.<p>Its natural habitat is lowland rainforest and humid and subhumid montane forests up to 2,000 meters elevation.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The species has a large range, and is considered fairly common across it. The population of the species is decreasing, principally from habitat loss. Its conservation status is assessed as least concern.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Eastern Bonelli's Warbler
Phylloscopus orientalis
A small, pallid, long-winged leaf warbler. Separable from the closely related Western Bonelli's Warbler by range and vocalizations. Similar to other leaf warblers such as Common Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, but note present species’ plainer facial pattern, prominent yellowish-green wing panel and outer tail feathers, and very white underparts. Song is a short, ringing trill. Call is a distinctive sharp “tzip.” Flits around in bushes and trees searching for tiny invertebrates; often hovers while feeding. Breeds in dense Mediterranean scrub and forests. During non-breeding season, found in various vegetated habitats including desert acacia wadis, open woodlands, and scrub.
Chestnut Weaver
Ploceus rubiginosus
Large, heavy-billed weaver in which breeding males have an unusual color scheme: chestnut with a black head. Non-breeding males and females are plain grayish-brown with buff on the breast. Highly nomadic species of dry savanna, which can appear in large numbers after rains and begin nesting in large colonies. Males are oddly similar to Chestnut Sparrow, and they often nest alongside that species, but are easily separated by their larger size and black head. Non-breeding male and female are remarkably colorless, lacking the greenish and yellowish tones shown by similar weavers.
Gray-headed Swamphen
Porphyrio poliocephalus
A very large bluish-purple waterbird with a red bill and forehead shield, as well as red legs and feet with long toes. The tail is flicked up often, revealing fluffy white “underpants.” Juveniles are duller than adults and lack the red bill and shield. An inhabitant of marshy, vegetated freshwater bodies such as swamps, rivers, and lakes; usually in small groups. Feeds, often clumsily, at muddy water edges, in reeds, and on floating vegetation. Makes short nasal grunts and croaking sounds. Formerly part of the species known as Purple Swamphen.
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