Black-headed Antthrush

A typical Old World cuckoo, with gray-and-white plumage and long wings and tail. A brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of many other bird species. Breeds throughout Madagascar in virtually all habitats with woody vegetation. Extremely vocal when breeding during the rainy season, giving a distinctive “do-do-ka-foo” song day and night. Easily identified on Madagascar, where it is the only regularly occurring cuckoo. Elsewhere, extremely similar to Lesser Cuckoo. Many individuals probably indistinguishable, though Madagascar Cuckoo has either weak barring or no barring on the undertail, whereas Lesser Cuckoo always shows strong barring. Similar to Common and African Cuckoos, but smaller, with a much blacker tail and rump. 

Gray cuckoo with a remarkably long tail. Note dark red facial skin, pale greenish-yellow bill, and dark green gloss on the wings and tail. Chestnut-bellied and Black-bellied Malkohas can be similar; note Green-billed’s thin white border around the facial skin, dark eyes, and overall paler head and breast. Found in lowland and foothill forests and forest edges, as well as dense scrub and cultivated areas. Creeps through foliage like a squirrel. Gives various amphibian-like clucks and croaks.

A small rock-thrush with blue-gray upperparts and hood and an orange belly. The tail has a black-and-orange “T” pattern that is conspicuous in flight. Males and females vary slightly: males are cleaner blue-gray above, while females are more brownish. Found locally in a variety of habitats with a mix of rocks, trees, and bushes. Sometimes also on and around human structures. Similar to redstarts, but easily distinguished by the clean gray hood and the lack of black on the face. Also similar to male Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, but smaller, lacking white on the back, and with a more extensive gray hood. The quiet song consists of musical phrases that can be short or quite long.