Birding North Unst: July 1998

Madagascar

Itinerary

15th July 1998 : After a 4 hour stop in Moscow we left with Aeroflot bound for Antananarivo via Cairo and Nairobi. We arrived at Antananarivo at 3pm and were met by our Aventour driver ‘Vonjy’ and taken to the Aventour Office to pay and collect Internal Air tickets, accommodation vouchers etc. We left the Office at 4.30pm and were driven to the ‘new’ Vakona Lodge situated between the Perinet and Mantady Reserves arriving around 7.30pm. It was dark by 6pm. (9 species seen, 3 new for DC). Dry at Tana but raining by the time we arrived at Vakona.

Mt. Kilimanjaro from the air

First views of Madagascar near Antananarivo from the air

Antananarivo

16th July 1998 : Vonjy picked us up at 5.45am so that we could arrive at Perinet at dawn (6am) picking up our guide ‘Maurice’ from his house in Andasibe on the way. Spent until midday walking the trails with Maurice when he went for ‘lunch’. We stayed in the Reserve meeting him at the Green Lake at 2.30pm from where we tried some more trails before walking a section of the road back towards Andasibe spending the evening at the Orchid Garden. I then went spotlighting in the Reserve with Maurice until 7.30pm. (42 species seen, 36 new, highlights Mad. Little Grebe, Mad. Long-eared Owl, Cuckoo-Roller &Crossley’s Babbler). Drizzle in the morning becoming dry and sunny in the afternoon.

Perinet

17th July 1998 : Vonjy and Maurice due to meet us at 6am but failed to appear until 7am with an excuse about the car getting stuck in some sand. Drove to Mantady ‘Log’ Trail where spent a couple of hours before climbing the steep slope up to the Ridge Trail before descending about midday. Slowly drove the road back to the ‘Sacred Waterfall Trail’ which had only been cut 10 days before our visit. Walked the trail and then headed back late afternoon to the Vakona Marsh. (30 species seen, 12 new, highlights Mad. Flufftail, Scaly Ground-Roller & Nuthatch Vanga). Dry until 3pm when drizzle set in for rest of the day.

Mantady

Maurice along the Ridge Trail at Mantady

Brenda and Maurice along the Ridge Trail at Mantady

18th July 1998 :All day at Perinet concentrating on trails until late afternoon visit to the Orchid Garden. (31 species seen, 4 new, highlights Mad. Wood Rail, Short-legged Ground-Roller & Forest Rock Thrush). Dry and sunny all day.

Perinet

Forest trail at Perinet

Moth at Perinet

19th July 1998 : Left Vakona 4.30am driving to Tana Airport for morning flight to Fort Dauphin via Tulear. Lunch in Fort Dauphin before driving through some Spiny Forest habitat to Berenty arriving at sunset. Nocturnal Lemur walk before dinner and then out spotlighting for half an hour or so. (26 species seen, 7 new, highlights Banded Kestrels, Torotoroka Scops and White-browed Owls). Dry and sunny all day.

Tana as we sped our way back to the airport

Flying south over Madagascar

View near Faut Dauphin

Tombs near Faut Dauphin

The road to Berenty

Pitcher Plants near Berenty

A small reserve preserving the Fan Palm habitat along the road to Berenty

A remnant patch of Spiny Forest along the road to Berenty

Arrival at Berenty

20th July 1998 : All day Berenty spending the early morning along the Mandrare River and then walking the dry forest trails. (34 species seen, 9 new, highlights Mad. Sandgrouse & Giant Couas). Dry and sunny all day.

Mandrare River awaiting Madagascar Sandgrouse

Butterfly at Berenty

Tortoise at Berenty

Accommodation at Berenty

A visit to Berenty guarantees good views of Lemurs

21st July 1998 : Walked trails until 8am then left Berenty at 8.15am for drive back to Fort Dauphin stopping in Spiny Forest habitat several times. Caught midday flight for Tulear being met by Vonjy and Mesa (our two drivers), then visiting the Tulear Airport Hanger Pool before driving north along the sandy track to the Bamboo Club at Ifaty. (41 species seen, 4 new, highlights Mad. Cuckoo Falcon, Mad. Partridge & Mad. Plover). Dry and sunny all day.

Departing Berenty

Tulear Airport Hanger Pool

The beach at the Bamboo Club at Ifaty

The Bamboo Club at Ifaty

22nd July 1998 : Met Mosa at his house at the start of the entrance road to the Mora Mora Hotel at 6am spending until 10.30am in Spiny Forest before taking it easy until 3pm. when again set out into the Spiny Forest until dusk. (25 species seen, 6 new, highlights Subdesert Mesite, Red-capped Coua & Long-tailed Ground Roller). Dry, hot and sunny all day.

Mora Mora Spiny Forest

23rd July 1998 : Met Mosa at 6am and set off into the Spiny Forest until 10am. Left Bamboo Club at 10.30am driving to La Mangrove Hotel spending 3.30 to 6pm birding the coatal rag. (30 species seen, 3 new, highlight Sickle-billed Vanga). Dry, hot and sunny all day.

24th July 1998 : Birded La Mangrove from 6am until 9.30am before driving to Zombitse Forest birding the Football Pitch trail from midday to 3.30pm before driving on to Relais de la Reine Hotel, Isalo arriving at 4.30pm. (35 species seen, 3 new, highlights Coquerel’s and Verreaux’s Couas & Rufous Vanga). Dry, hot and sunny all day.

Views near Isalo

Relais de la Reine

25th July 1998 : Birded the vicinity of Relais de la Reine 6am. - 9.30am. before the 7 hour drive to Ranomafana and the Hotel Domaine Nature. (21 species seen, 2 new, highlight Benson’s Rock Thrush). Dry all day until arriving at Ranomafana where raining.

Views at Relais de la Reine

Views betwen Isalo and Ranomafana

Ranomafana

Accommodation at Ranomafana

26th July 1998 : Spent from 6.15am. to midday walking the trails at Ranomafana with Jean Clare and from 1pm to 5pm walking the trails at Vohiparara. (32 species seen, 7 new, highlights Mad. Crested Ibis, Pitta-like Ground Roller & Yellow-browed Oxylabes). Dry all morning but raining all afternoon.

Ranomafana

27th July 1998 : Spent from 6.30am to midday walking the trails at Vohiparara then lunch at the entrance to Ranomafana until returning to Hotel for afternoon. (9 species seen, 3 new, highlights Pitta-like and Rufous-headed Ground-Rollers, Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity & Brown Emutail). Some drizzle in morning with rain from early afternoon.

28th July 1998 : Walked trails at Ranomafana from 6.30am until 10.30 am then drove to Vohiparara walking down road until midday. Again spent afternoon at Hotel but evening drive up to minor road between Vohiparara and Ranomafana. (25 species seen, 3 new, highlights Brown Mesite & Pollen’s Vanga). Dry morning.

29th July 1998 : Left Ranomafana at 8am for 7 hour drive to Anatananarivo staying at the Hotel Colbert. (13 species seen). Wet morning at Ranomafana but dry elsewhere.

30th July 1998 : A brief visit to Lac Alarobia on the way to the airport before catching Aeroflot flight to London via Nairobi, Cairo and 5 hour wait in Moscow. (11 species seen, 1 new, highlight Meller’s Duck!). Dry sunny morning.

Antananarivo

31st July 1998 : Arrived back at Burgess Hill at 1.30pm leaving to see the Stanpit ‘Egret with John King at 3pm - Dimorphic?!

SYSTEMATIC LIST

Unless otherwise noted the order and nomenclature of this list (and the numbers applied to each species) follows ‘Guide to the Birds of Madagascar’ by Olivier Langrand, Yale University Press, 1990.

11. Madagascar Little Grebe - Tachybaptus pelzelnii C

Two males in full breeding plumage were seen on different small lakes within the Perinet Reserve on the 16th. The second individual frequented the ‘Green Lake’ and was readily viewed from the visitor’s observation point (complete with an information board illustrating a few likely species of bird to be seen including Madagascar Little Grebe). Maurice estimated that 4 - 5 pairs frequented the various lakes in the immediate vicinity of Perinet. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘it has suffered a considerable decline in certain areas and the total population is now judged to number between 5,000 and 10,000 birds, facing threats from reduction in habitat, introduction of exotic fish, and competition with the Little Grebe T. ruficollis, by far the greatest of these threats being the loss of habitat.’ In my opinion a far better illustration of a breeding plumaged adult appears in ‘Seabirds’ by Harrison, Croom Helm (1983) than in Langrand (1990).

Male Madagascar Little Grebe at Perinet

18. Long-tailed (Reed) Cormorant - Phalacrocorax africanus pictilis C

A party of 4 were seen both in the morning and evening along the stretch of the Mandrare River viewable from the Berenty Reserve on the 20th.

24. Black-crowned Night-Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax C

Only seen on three dates with 3 immatures seen on a lake near the centre of Antananarivo on the 15th, around 50 were seen in the trees alongside the Mandrare River at Berenty on the 20th and around 20 were seen at the ‘mixed’ heronry at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo on the 30th.

25. Squacco Heron - Ardeola ralloides C

Around 5 were seen frequenting paddies in the immediate vicinity of Antananarivo on the 15th.

27. Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis ibis C

Seen on eight dates in fair numbers being recorded near Antananarivo, Berenty, during the drives from La Mangrove to Antananarive and at the ‘mixed’ heronry at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo with a daily maximum of 50 recorded on the 30th.

28. Striated (Green-backed) Heron - Butorides striatus rutenbergi C

Seen on seven dates in small numbers being recorded at Perinet, near Antananarivo, Berenty and La Mangrove with a daily maximum of 4 recorded on the 19th.

30. Little (Dimorphic) Egret - Egretta garzetta dimorpha C

Langrand states that ‘some authors treat Dimorphic Egret as a simple subspecies of the Little Egret E. garzetta’. However Howard and Moore (1984) treat it as a subspecies of Western Reef Heron E. gularis. Clements and HBW lump this form with Little Egret and Western Reef Heron which is followed here. Thus the taxonomy of this Indian Ocean Egret is far from clear. Seen on eight dates in various habitats in fair numbers being recorded at the Mandrare River at Berenty, along the coast near Tulear, on the mudflats at La Mangrove, in paddies on the drives in to and out of Ranomafana and at the ‘mixed’ heronry at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo where the daily maximum of 40 was recorded on the 30th.

Little (Dimorphic) Egret at La Mangrove

31. Great Egret - Ardea alba melanorhyncha C

Seen on seven dates in fair numbers being recorded between Antananarivo and Perinet, Berenty, on drives between La Mangrove and Antananarivo and Vohiparara with a daily maximum of 40 recorded on the 15th.

32. Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea madagascariensis C

At the ‘Green Lake’ at Perinet 1 was seen on the 16th and 2 were seen together in flight there on the 18th. At the nearby ‘Vakona’ marsh 1 was seen on the 17th.

33. Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea firasa C

Only seen twice with 1 seen near Tulear on the 21st and 2 seen on the mudflats at La Mangrove on the 23rd.

35. Humblot’s Heron - Ardea humbloti C

A single individual of this large but little known species was seen at the Mandrare River, Berenty on the 20th, 2 were seen on the mudflats at La Mangrove on the 23rd and 1 was seen in flight there the following day. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘the total numbers may be well below 5,000 individuals (although this is considered unlikely by O. Langrand in litt. 1994) and are certainly likely to fall with persecution at breeding sites as the human population of the region increases’.

37. Hamerkop - Scopus umbretta umbretta C

Only seen during drives between sites with singles between Antananarivo and Perinet on the 15th and 19th, 2 near Ihosy on the 25th and 6 seen between Ranomafana and Antananarivo on the 29th.

42. Madagascar Crested Ibis - Lophotibis cristata cristata C

A superb pair were watched walking and running ahead of us along a trail for around 150 yards until they eventually flew near the ‘first’ lookout at Ranomafana on the 26th and later the same day another pair were flushed from near a forest pool along Trail B at Vohiparara although on this occasion only poor flight views were obtained. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

46. Fulvous Whistling Duck - Dendrocygna bicolor C

Around 10 were seen on the island in the middle of Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo on the 30th.

47. White-faced Whistling Duck - Dendrocygna viduata C

Around 200 were seen at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo on the 30th.

48. Knob-billed Duck - Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos C

A party of 11 were seen on the Mandrare River, Berenty on the 20th and 21st and around 20 were seen at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo on the 30th.

51. Meller’s Duck - Anas melleri C

A single individual was seen during my brief visit to Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo on the 30th. A Japanese tour group had seen 7 at this site a few days before my brief visit. I was expecting to see a female Mallard-type Duck as described (and illustrated) in Wildfowl, Madge & Burn, Helm (1988) but was pleasantly surprised as this species has an exceptionally long slender grey bill and a very dark head (closer to the illustration in Langrand) making the species much more appealing and interesting than anticipated. It proved to be my final ‘new’ species of the trip. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

52. Red-billed Teal - Anas erythrorhyncha C

Around 60 were seen on the ‘Airport Hanger Pool’ near Tulear on the 21st and around 800 were seen at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo on the 30th. The Japanese tour group had counted 2,400 at Lac Alarobia a few days previously.

56. Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk (Falcon) - Aviceda madagascariensis C

A single individual was watched for some time being pursued by Pied Crows Corvus albus over a small stretch of riverine forest around half way between Berenty and Fort Dauphin on the 21st. Both Birdquest and Wings tour groups have seen this species in the Berenty area in the previous 12 months, surely making this area one of the most likely places in the country to encounter this difficult-to-see species.

57. Black Kite - Milvus migrans parasitus C

Only seen on three dates with up to 30 on all three days at Berenty, around 15 on both the drives from La Mangrove to Ranomafana, and around 10 on the drive from Ranomafana to Antananarivo on the 29th.

61. Madagascar Harrier-Hawk - Polyboroides radiatus C

An adult was seen briefly in flight from the Ridge trail at Mantady on the 17th and another adult allowed prolonged views in flight over a ridge on the drive from Berenty to Fort Dauphin on the 21st.

62. Reunion Harrier - Circus maillardi macrosceles C

After untickable views of a male seen briefly from the car which disappeared by the time we had stopped around half way between Tulear and Relais de la Reine on the 24th we were relieved to obtain prolonged views of another hunting over a marshy area around 60km east of Relais de la Reine on the 25th albeit a female. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Female Reunion Harrier near Isalo

63. Henst’s Goshawk - Accipiter henstii C

A very impressive male was watched at close range calling from its perch close to its nest located not far from the ‘first’ lookout at Ranomafana on the 26th. Needless to say this site is well known by the local guides. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

(64. Madagascar Sparrowhawk - Accipiter madagascariensis)

DC obtained untickable views of an Accipiter identified by Mosa as this species in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd. Surprisingly we never got another chance with this species which is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

65. France’s Sparrowhawk - Accipiter francesii francesii C

A superb adult was seen perched and in flight at close range in the riverine forest at Berenty on the 20th.

66. Madagascar Buzzard - Buteo brachypterus C

Seen on six dates with 4 at Perinet on the 16th, 6 at Mantady on the 17th, 1 on the drive between Fort Dauphin and Berenty on the 19th, 1 in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 23rd, 3 at Zombitse Forest on the 24th and 2 over the river at Ranomafana on the 26th.

Madagascar Buzzard in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest

67. Madagascar Kestrel - Falco newtoni C

Seen on ten dates in fair numbers being recorded at Antananarivo, up to 12 daily at Berenty, Mora Mora, La Mangrove, Relais de la Reine and on the drives to and from Ranomafana.

68. Banded Kestrel - Falco zoniventris C

A superb Falcon first encountered in an area of Spiny Forest on the drive from Fort Dauphin to Berenty on the 19th where a pair were watched hunting flying locusts. The Kestrels would perch in a prominent position until taking flight to catch a locust before returning to a perch. A female was seen in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest and a male was seen in the small patch of Spiny Forest along the entrance track to the Bamboo Club on the 22nd and a pair were seen in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 23rd. The male seen near the Bamboo Club would perch at close range with its eyes closed (bright yellow skin) which it seemed loathe to open appearing to prefer to remain blind.

Male Banded Kestrel near the Bamboo Club

71. Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus radama C

A single adult was watched for some time in flight over the road near Vohiparara on the 28th.

72. Madagascar Partridge - Margaroperdix madagascarensis C

A party of 3 were seen feeding on the sandy track connecting Tulear and Ifaty during the evening of the 21st.

75. Helmeted Guineafowl - Numida meleagris C

A party of 12 were seen on the opposite bank of the Mandrare River from Berenty on the morning of the 21st.

77. Brown Mesite - Mesitornis unicolor C

On the 28th a superb individual was surprised on a minor trail leading from the ‘first’ lookout at Ranomafana where it froze for a couple of minutes before quietly creeping off the trail and disappearing. Earlier the same day a pair had responded to a tape of their calls but we only obtained untickable views before they lost interest. The bird most closely resembled that captioned as ‘atypical’ illustrated by Langrand (1990) although the bird showed a white line leading back from behind the eye rather than just a restricted ‘greyish’ spot on the rear of the ear coverts as illustrated. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1990) who describe it as ‘a cryptic and retiring rail-like ground-dweller patchy in range and to prefer lower-lying habitat, which is being depleted very fast.’.

Brown Mesite at Ranomafana

78. Subdesert Mesite - Monias benschi C

A female was ‘treed’ by Mosa in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd and another female was seen dashing around on the ground in different directions in the Spiny Forest the following morning. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘it is restricted to a 70-km wide coastal strip and is subject to predation by dogs and trappers and to habitat destruction. It occurs in no protected area, tree removal for charcoal production is increasing, and rats are also believed to be a threat.’

Subdesert Mesite in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest (John Mittermeier)

79. Madagascar Buttonquail - Turnix nigricollis C

A pair crossed a track in front of us in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 23rd. Somewhat surprisingly no more were seen.

(81. White-throated Rail - Dryolimnas cuvieri)

Heard in a marshy clearing between the Hotel Fyon Nyala and the entrance to Perinet during the evening of the 18th but sadly not seen despite much effort. In the past they have been seen along the stream at the back of the Relais de la Reine Hotel but unfortuately a lot of the undergrowth had been removed from this site just prior to our arrival with the area looking unfortunately no longer suitable. Rather annoyingly I did not have time to look for them at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo where they have been seen in the past and where I suspect they may be rather easier to see.

82. Madagascar Wood Rail - Canirallus kioloides kioloides C

After untickable views of a bird crossing the trail in response to tape playback up the steep hillside at Mantady on the 17th we were relieved to obtain good views of an individual that quietly walked past us in the forest at Perinet on the 18th.

85. Madagascar Flufftail - Sarothrura insularis C

Heard along the road near the entrance to Perinet on the 16th and 18th but taped in to view at the entrance to the ‘log’ trail at Mantady on the 17th where it was watched stationery, bill raised in the air calling back at us - stunning. Brenda saw another that crossed a gap in the undergrowth along Trail B at Vohiparara where Rufous-headed Ground Roller can sometimes be coaxed into view. Finally a couple were heard in the evening along the small metalled road where Collared Nightjar is sometimes seen between the entrance to Ranomafana and Vohiparara during the evening of the 28th.

87. Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus pyrrhorrhoa C

Only seen around the lakes at Perinet where 8 were seen on the 16th and 1 on the 18th.

93. Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus C

A single individual was seen on the Tulear Airport Hanger pool on the 21st and 4 were seen on nearby pools when leaving La Mangrove on the 24th.

100. Madagascar Plover - Charadrius thoracicus C

A pair of these superb waders were seen at the Tulear Airport Hanger Pool on the 21st. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘it is generally rare, and greatly outnumbered (and perhaps outcompeted) by Kittlitz’s Plover C.pecuarius and/or White-fronted Plover C.marginatus.’

Madagascar Plover at Tulear Airport Hanger Pool

101. Kittlitz’s Plover - Charadrius pecuarius C

Around 12 were seen at the Tulear Airport Hanger Pool on the 21st and a pair were seen at nearby pools when leaving La Mangrove on the 24th.

102. Three-banded Plover - Charadrius tricollaris bifrontatus C

A pair were seen on pools when leaving La Mangrove not far from Tulear Airport on the 24th.

104. White-fronted Plover - Charadrius marginatus tenellus C

A single individual was seen at the Tulear Airport Hanger Pool on the 21st.

110. Common Greenshank - Tringa nebularia nebularia C

A single individual was seen along the Mandrare River at Berenty on the 20th and around 50 were seen on the Tulear Airport Hanger Pool on the 21st.

119. Curlew Sandpiper - Calidris ferrugine C

A party of 5 were seen at the Tulear Airport Hanger Pool on the 21st and 1 was seen on the nearby pools on the 24th when leaving La Mangrove.

140. Madagascar Sandgrouse - Pterocles personatus C

A male arrived to drink on the far bank of the Mandrare River at Berenty at 7.30a.m. on the 20th and remained for around 10 minutes before being flushed by a local farmer. In the next hour I obtained flight views of a party of 4 and then a pair in the vicinity of the small airfield at Berenty (perhaps all were flying to drink at the river ?). The following day a pair were seen in flight over an area of spiny forest between Berenty and Fort Dauphin.

142. Madagascar Turtledove - Streptopelia picturata picturata C

Singles were seen at Perinet on the 16th and 18th, up to 6 were recorded on two dates at Berenty, 10 in the Mora Mora area on the 22nd and 4 at Ranomafana on the 26th. At Perinet their habits reminded me of a Quail-Dove Geotrygon sp. although less so at other sites.

143. Namaqua Dove - Oena capensis aliena C

Seen on six dates in fair numbers being recorded near Berenty, Tulear, Mora Mora, La Mangrove and near Relais de la Reine.

144. Madagascar Green Pigeon - Treron australis C

Surprisingly only seen on three dates with 1 seen at Berenty on the 20th and 3 there the following morning and a party of 6 seen at La Mangrove on the 24th.

Madagascar Green Pigeon at La Mangrove

145. Madagascar Blue Pigeon - Alectroenas madagascariensis C

Only seen at Perinet where 6 were seen in flight somewhat distantly on the 16th and 1 was seen in flight and perched along the entrance track on the 18th which unfortunately was the only occasion the red tail was seen.

146. Greater Vasa Parrot - Coracopsis vasa drouhardi C

Only identified at the Spiny Forest at Mora Mora where 3 were seen and more importantly heard in flight on the 22nd. The call seemed noticeably louder and more raucous than that of Lesser Vasa which often gives a melodic flight call quite unlike any other Parrot I have ever heard.

147. Lesser Vasa Parrot - Coracopsis nigra nigra C

Seen on seven dates in fair numbers being recorded at Mantady, Perinet, Berenty, Mora Mora and an impressive 30 at Zombitse Forest on the 24th.

148. Grey-headed Lovebird - Agapornis canus C

Surprisingly only seen on three dates with 6 seen at Berenty on the 20th and 4 there the next day and a pair seen at Relais de la Reine on the 25th being the only other occasion the species was encountered.

152. Giant Coua - Coua gigas C

A stunning species that was only seen at Berenty where superb views are the norm with two pairs being seen on the 20th and a single bird the following morning. On separating the first pair one of the birds went completely mad running around at high speed in a clear figure of eight - quite amazing.

Giant Coua at Berenty

153. Coquerel’s Coua - Coua coquereli C

A single individual walked quietly past us just off the trail in Zombitse Forest on the 24th.

155. Red-fronted Coua - Coua reynaudii C

Untickable flight views were obtained with Maurice at Perinet on the 16th and another was heard at Perinet on the 18th so we were relieved to obtain superb views of one hopping around on the steps just beyond the entrance leading to the river at Ranomafana just after dawn on the 26th.

156. Running Coua - Coua cursor C

A Coua which walked across the road at some distance in an area of Spiny Forest along the road between Fort Dauphin and Berenty on the 19th was identified by the guide as this species. Only seen for sure with Mosa in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest where singles were seen on the 22nd and 23rd with the second bird allowing prolonged views of it perched in a small bush. Superb.

157. Red-capped Coua - Coua ruficeps olivaceiceps C

Another superb species which was only seen in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest where 3 were seen on the 22nd and 2 the next day. Again superb views were obtained of a couple of birds sunning themselves in the early morning sun.

158. Crested Coua - Coua cristata C

At Berenty 8 were seen on the 20th and 1 the following morning on the drive to Fort Dauphin and in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest 4 were seen on the 22nd and 2 the next morning.

Crested Coua in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest

159. Verreaux’s Coua - Coua verreauxi C

We struggled to find this species in the La Mangrove area walking quite a way south along the road on the evening of the 23rd and then up and over a ridge just south of La Mangrove from dawn the following morning but finally saw 1 around 50 yards south of La Mangrove hotel in the ‘garden’ of a new house that has been built on the opposite side of the track from the hotel. The gardener was watering the garden which was attracting quite a few birds from the surrounding dry habitat and may have been responsible for the Coua’s presence. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

160. Blue Coua - Coua caerulea C

At Mantady 2 were seen along the ‘log’ trail and 1 was seen in the Orchid Garden at Perinet the following evening. Seen more readily at Vohiparara where 1 was seen on the 26th and 2 on the 28th. Sounded to me like a loud Moorhen Gallinula chloropus which usually gave away the prescence of this species.

Blue Coua (John Mittermeier)

161. Madagascar Coucal - Centropus toulou toulou C

Seen on eight dates in small numbers being recorded at Perinet, Berenty, La Mangrove, Relais de la Reine and Vohiparara with a daily maximum of 4 seen at Berenty on the 20th.

164. Torotoroka Scops-Owl - Otus madagascariensis C

Only seen at Berenty where a pair were spotlighted along one of the trails leading to the Mandrare River during the evening of the 19th and where 1 was spotlighted near the chalets the next evening. Superb.

165. White-browed Owl - Ninox superciliaris C

Only seen at Berenty where a pair were spotlighted along the track between the restaurant and the chalets during the evening of the 19th and where 1 was seen at dusk near the airfield and 1 of the pair from the previous evening was again spotlighted near the restaurant on the 20th.

166. Madagascar Long-eared Owl - Asio madagascariensis C

A superb individual was spotlighted for several minutes as it sat above us calling near the entrance to Perinet with Maurice on the evening of the 16th after he had heard the bird call whereupon he imitated it and in it flew ! Brilliant !

(167. Marsh Owl - Asio capensis)

Untickable brief views of a bird seen in the light of the car’s headlight’s between Perinet and Antananarivo before dawn on the 19th was almost certainly this species.

168. Madagascar Nightjar - Caprimulgus madagascariensis madagascariensis C

At Perinet 1 was seen briefly in flight over the entrance on the evening of the 16th, at the Bamboo Club Brenda saw 1 during the evening of the 21st and the following evening 1 was found perched before dusk in the area of Spiny Forest leading to the Bamboo Club and a pair were seen displaying and ‘singing’ from the aerials on top of the restaurant for most of the evening and finally the species was heard at La Mangrove on the 23rd.

171. Malagasy Spine-tailed Swift - Zoonavena grandidieri grandidieri C

A pair were seen flying over forest at Mantady from the Ridge Trail on the 17th with 1 seen from the Ranomafana bridge on the 26th and 1 seen along the road leading down from Vohiparara on the 28th.

172. African Palm Swift - Cypsiurus parvus gracilis C

At Fort Dauphin 1 was seen on the 19th and 4 on the 21st and at Zombitse Forest 4 were seen on the 24th.

175. Malagasy Kingfisher - Corythornis vintsioides vintsioides C

At the Perinet fishponds 2 were seen on the 16th and 1 on the 18th, and singles were seen at paddies during the drives on the 25th and 29th.

177. Madagascar Bee-Eater - Merops superciliosus superciliosus C

At Perinet 1 was seen along the entrance track on the 16th, 3 were seen at Berenty on the 20th and at Ranomafana around the entrance 3 were seen on the 26th and 1 on the 28th.

179. Short-legged Ground-Roller - Brachypteracias leptosomus C

A superb male was finally found in a ravine at Perinet late morning on the 18th being reward for having spent all morning looking for this stunning species. It was watched perched low in trees and then from time to time flying down to the ground to attempt to catch prey before returning to a perch. Brilliant. This species is treated at Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘it is generally rare and threatened by habitat destruction.’.

Short-legged Ground-Roller (John Mittermeier)

180. Scaly Ground-Roller - Brachypteracias squamiger C

A superb pair were found at Mantady immediately after crossing the log bridge around 3 minutes after arriving at this site. They were watched on and off for around an hour being constantly attracted to tape playback. Proved much larger than I was expecting and their plumage and bright orange legs have to be seen to be believed - forget the illustration in Langrand (1990) ! This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘almost everywhere it is rare and localized, and threatened by habitat destruction, possible predation by village dogs and exploitation by man for food.’

Scaly Ground-Roller at Mantady (John Mittermeier)

181. Pitta-like Ground-Roller - Aterlornis pittoides C

At Ranomafana 2 were seen well along trails in the vicinity of the ‘first’ lookout on the 26th and at Vohiparara 1 was watched on Trail B for around 20 minutes on the 27th. Another stunning species and responsive to tape playback seemingly less shy than other species of Ground-Rollers. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Pitta-like Ground-Roller (John Mittermeier)

182. Rufous-headed Ground-Roller - Atelornis crossleyi C

A superb individual was finally seen late morning at Vohiparara on the 27th having all but given up on this species as we had not had any response to virtual continual tape playback all morning or the previous afternoon at this site. Finally one called back but much to my despair from a considerable distance down a steep slope, however the bird quickly approached us to a range of around 5 yards from where it started calling completely differently so much so that I felt certain a Madagascar Wood Rail Canirallus kioloides was about to appear. However our final species of Ground-Roller finally gave itself up by jumping up on to a low branch in full view but for only around 30 seconds before returning to the forest floor and promptly disappearing. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘it is rare (the rarest of its family) and threatened by forest destruction.’

Rufous-headed Ground-Roller (John Mittermeier)

183. Long-tailed Ground-Roller - Uratelornis chimaera C

A superb individual was literally tracked down by Mosa in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that it ‘is subject to hunting, trapping and habitat destruction. It occurs in no protected area, tree removal for charcoal production is increasing, and introduced rats are also believed to be a threat.’

Long-tailed Ground-Roller in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest (John Mittermeier)

184. Cuckoo-Roller - Leptosomus discolor discolor C

A pair were watched displaying on and off for a couple of hours over the Perinet fishponds on the 16th, 1 was heard at Mantady on the 17th and surprisingly our only other encounter was seeing 1 and hearing several at Zombitse Forest on the 24th.

Cuckoo-Roller (John Mittermeier)

185. Hoopoe - Upupa marginata C

At least 3 were seen in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd, 1 was seen in Zombitse Forest on the 24th and a pair were seen around the Relais de la Reine Hotel on both the 24th and 25th.

186. Velvet Asity - Philepitta castanea C

Females were seen along the Ridge trail at Perinet on the 16th, feeding on small white fruits along the Sacred Waterfall trail at Mantady on the 17th and at Vohiparara on the 26th and a male in non-breeding plumage was seen at Vohiparara on the 27th.

188. Sunbird-Asity - Neodrepanis coruscans C

At Perinet they could be readily seen visiting the pale yellow flowers bordering the fishponds where 1 was seen on the 16th and 4 (including 1 male complete with metallic blue coverts but no wattle) were seen on the 18th. At Mantady 4 were seen along the Sacred Waterfall trail (which at first Maurice confidently identified as Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asitys although was happy to concede were Sunbird-Asitys on obtaining good views).

Sunbird-Asity at Perinet

189. Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity - Neodrepanis hypoxantha C

A single male was seen at Vohiparara along Trail B where it follows the ridge on the 27th with a couple of others heard nearby. A bird seen by Maurice (but only glimpsed by DC) in the ‘cloud forest’ at Mantady on the 17th was probably this species but see note under Sunbird-Asity relating to other Sunbird-Asitys seen nearby. This species is treated as Endangered by Collar et al. (1994) who state the species has ‘a localized distribution in montane forest relicts (under serious threat from clearance).’

190. Madagascar Bushlark - Mirafra hova C

Generally only see whilst driving when sometimes common, 4 were seen on the drive from Berenty to Fort Dauphin and 8 were seen along the sandy track from Tulear to Ifaty on the 21st (with 6 on the return journey on the 23rd), 10 were seen on the drive from La Mangrove to Relais de la Reine on the 24th and around 40 were seen on the drive from Relais de la Reine to Ranomafana on the 25th.

191. Plain (Brown-throated Sand) Martin - Riparia paludicola cowani C

A single individual was seen over the Perinet fishponds on the 16th, 6 were seen over the Vakona Marsh on the 17th and at Vohiparara up to 15 were seen on the four days there often feeding over the river.

193. Mascarene Martin - Phedina borbonica madagascariensis C

Up to 3 birds were seen in the vicinity of Antananarivo airport on three dates and a pair were seen just south of the La Mangrove hotel on the 23rd.

195. Madagascar Wagtail - Motacilla flaviventris C

Seen on ten dates in small numbers being recorded at Perinet (always around the fishponds where the daily maximum of 5 was recorded on the 18th), Antananarivo, Relais de la Reine and Ranomafana.

Madagascar Wagtail at Relais de la Reine

196. Ashy (Madagascar) Cuckoo-Shrike - Coracina cinerea cinerea C

At Perinet 4 were seen on both the 16th and 18th, at Ranomafana 2 were seen on the 26th and 28th and at Vohiparara 1 was seen on the 26th. This species was always found as part of multispecies feeding flocks.

197. Long-billed Greenbul - Phyllastrephus madagascariensis madagascariensis C

At Perinet 2 were seen on the 16th and 4 on the 18th, at Zombitse Forest 4 were seen on the 24th and at Ranomafana 4 were seen on the 26th and 2 on the 28th.

198. Spectacled Greenbul - Phyllastrephus zosterops C

A pair were seen along the Sacred Waterfall trail at Mantady on the 17th and 6 were seen at Perinet Orchid Garden on the 18th.

201. Grey-crowned Greenbul - Phyllastrephus cinereiceps C

A pair were seen at the base of the Mantady Ridge Trail on the 17th and 4 were seen at Perinet the following day. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) wo state it is ‘being threatened by habitat loss ‘.

202. Madagascar (Black) Bulbul - Hypsipetes madagascariensis madagascariensis C

Seen on fourteen dates in good numbers being seen at every site visited.

203. Madagascar Magpie-Robin - Copsychus albospecularis inexpectatus / pica C

Seen on eleven dates in small numbers being recorded at Antananarivo, Perinet, Mantady, Berenty, Ifaty and Ranomafana with a daily maximum of 4 recorded at Berenty on the 20th.

Madagascar Magpie-Robin at Berenty

204. African Stonechat - Saxicola torquata sibilla C

Seen on eight dates in small numbers being recorded at Perinet Fish Ponds (where the daily maximum of 4 was recorded on the 16th), Vakona Marsh, Berenty, on the drive from Relais de la Reine to Ranomafana, Vohiparara and on the drive from Ranomafana to Antananarivo.

205. Forest Rock-Thrush - Pseudocossyphus sharpei C

Maurice found us a single male in the Short-legged Ground-Roller ravine at Perinet on the 18th. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

207. Benson’s Rock-Thrush - Pseudocossyphus bensoni C

A pair were located on the rooftops of the chalets at Relais de la Reine Hotel where superb views were obtained on the 25th. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that ‘the national park (Isalo) in which it occurs is burnt regularly and total numbers of the species may prove small.’

Female Benson's Rock Thrush at Relais de la Reine

Male Benson's Rock Thrush at Relais de la Reine

208. Madagascar Swamp-Warbler - Acrocephalus newtoni C

A single individual was seen ‘downstream’ of the Vakona Marsh on the 17th.

209. Madagascar Brush-Warbler - Nesillas typica typica C

This skulking species was only seen at Perinet where 4 were seen on the 16th and 1 was seen on the 18th with several others heard. Pishing worked although persistence was still required to obtain good views.

209a. Lantz’s Brush Warbler - Nesillas lantzi (lumped with the previous species by C)

This ‘form’ has recently been granted specific status from Madagascar Brush Warbler N. typica, see the Bulletin of the African Bird Club Vol5 No.1 pp 41. At least 4 were seen in an area of Spiny Forest between Fort Dauphin an Berenty on the 19th and 2 were seen just south of La Mangrove Hotel on the 24th. This species proved much easier to obtain good views of compared to the last species.

210. Thamnornis Warbler - Thamnornis chloropetoides C

Only seen in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest where 4 were seen on the 22nd and 1 the next day. This species seemed to prefer foraging on the ground which I was not expecting.

211. Madagascar Cisticola - Cisticola cherina C

Surprisingly not that many seen with 1 seen just ‘downstream’ of the Vakona Marsh on the 17th, 1 just south of La Mangrove Hotel on the 23rd, 2 at Relais de la Reine on the 25th and 2 at paddies near Vohiparara on the 26th.

212. Brown Emutail - Dromaeocercus brunneus C

A stunning ground loving species taped into view at Vohiparara on the 27th which circled us at close range around three times. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

213. Grey Emutail - Dromaeocercus seebohmi C

Fidi located a single individual in a marsh a couple of kilometers ‘above’ Vohiparara which was seen in flight several times and perched briefly on a couple of occasions on the 26th.

214. Rand’s Warbler - Randia pseudozosterops C

A pair were seen along the entrance track at Perinet on the 16th and 1 was seen at Mantady the following day. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

214a. Cryptic Warbler - Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi C

Only described in Ibis (1996) Vol. 138 pp 153-159, a pair were seen along the road just ‘below’ Vohiparara on the 28th.

215. Dark Newtonia - Newtonia amphichroa C

Heard at Mantady with Maurice on the 17th and a pair were seen near the ‘first’ lookout at Ranomafana on the 26th.

216. Common Newtonia - Newtonia brunneicauda brunneicauda C

Seen on eight dates in fair numbers being recorded at Perinet, Mantady, Berenty, Mora Mora Spiny Forest (where the daily maximum of 20 was recorded on the 22nd), Zombitse Forest and Ranomafana.

217. Archbold’s Newtonia - Newtonia archboldi C

Heard with Mosa in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd and in the same area a single individual was taped in to view from a considerable distance on the 23rd.

Archbold's Newtonia in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest

219. Common Jery - Neomixis tenella orientalis / debilis C

Seen on nine dates in good numbers being recorded at Perinet, Mantady, Berenty (where the daily maximum of 20 was recorded on the 21st), Mora Mora Spiny Forest, La Mangrove, Zombitse and Vohiparara.

220. Green Jery - Neomixis viridis C

Maurice found us a pair along the entrance track at Perinet on the 16th and 1 was seen at Vohiparara on the 26th.

221. Stripe-throated Jery - Neomixis striatigula C

Heard at Perinet with Maurice but only identified at Berenty where a pair were seen on the 20th. May well have been overlooked at other sites.

223. Ward’s Flycatcher - Pseudobias wardi C

Only seen at Perinet where 6 were seen on the 16th and 4 on the 18th although heard at Ranomafana on the 28th. This species is treated as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Ward's Flycatcher sporting a superb blue eye-ring at Perinet

224. Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher - Terpsiphone mutata mutata C

Seen on eight dates in fair numbers being recorded at Perinet (where the daily maximum of 10 was recorded on the 16th), Mantady, Berenty and Vohiparara.

225. White-throated Oxylabes - Oxylabes madagascariensis C

Heard with Maurice at Perinet on the 16th, 1 seen after responding to tape playback at the foot of the steep slope leading to the Ridge Trail at Mantady on the 17th with another heard nearby and finally heard at Ranomafana on the 26th. An extremely skulking species which was only seen after much persistence.

226. Yellow-browed Oxylabes - Crossleyia xanthophrys C

A superb species with a pair seen extremely well at Ranomafana on the 26th. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that it occurs ‘at a small number of sites (many under pressure from habitat clearance).’

227. Crossley’s Babbler - Mystacornis crossleyi C

A brilliant species which we only saw along the road at Perinet when 1 was repeatedly taped in to view in a small ravine during the late afternoon of the 16th. We also heard a couple at Ranomafana on the 28th.

Crossley's Babbler at Perinet - dreadful photo, brilliant species!

228. Souimanga Sunbird - Nectarinia soumanga apolis C

Seen on eleven dates in fair numbers being recorded at Perinet (where the daily maximum of 10 were seen on the 18th), Mantady, Berenty, Mora Mora, La Mangrove, Zombitse and Ranomafana. The birds in the SW of Madagascar (N.s. apolis) are much drabber than those at Perinet and may pay further research.

229. Long-billed Green Sunbird - Nectarinia notatus notatus C

Only seen at Perinet where 8 were seen attending the pale yellow flowers bordering the Fish Ponds on the 16th. Somewhat surprisingly not seen elsewhere.

Long-billed Green Sunbirds at Perinet

230. Madagascar White-Eye - Zosterops maderaspatana maderaspatana C

Only seen on five dates and in small numbers with 6 at Perinet on the 16th and 18th, 4 at Mantady on the 17th, 2 at Berenty on the 20th and 6 at Vohiparara on the 28th.

232. Red-tailed Vanga - Calicalicus madagascariensis C

Seen on six dates with 8 on the 16th and 2 on the 18th at Perinet, 2 at Mantady on the 17th, a female in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd, a male at Zombitse Forest on the 24th and finally 4 at Vohiparara on the 28th.

233. Rufous Vanga - Schetba rufa occidentalis C

A single female was watched motionless for around 5 minutes at Zombitse Forest on the 24th.

234. Hook-billed Vanga - Vanga curvirostris C

Singles were seen with Maurice at Perinet on the 18th and much better in the dry forest at Berenty on the 20th.

Hook-billed Vanga at Berenty

235. Lafresnaye’s Vanga - Xenopirostris xenopirostris C

In the Mora Mora Spiny Forest Mosa found a male in the morning and a female in the afternoon of the 22nd.

237. Pollen’s Vanga - Xenopirostris polleni C

A pair were seen in a multispecies flock at Ranomafana on the 28th. This species is treated as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state ‘habitat loss, though extensive, is not enough to explain its very patchy distribution and abundance.’

238. Sickle-billed Vanga - Falculea palliata C

Heard with Mosa in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd and Mosa found us a party of 4 which were watched feeding in the peculiar trees of the region on the 23rd. In my opinion by far the best Vanga that we saw.

239. White-headed Vanga - Leptopterus viridis viridis C

Another good Vanga with 1 seen at Perinet on the 16th, a pair seen at Berenty on the 20th, 1 seen in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd and 2 there the following day and 2 seen at Ranomafana in a multispecies feeding flock on the 28th.

240. Chabert’s Vanga - Leptopterus chabert C

Seen on seven dates in small numbers with 3 at Mantady on the 17th, 1 at Perinet on the 18th, 6 in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd and 2 there the next day, 2 at La Mangrove on the 23rd and the 24th and 10 at Vohiparara on the 26th with 1 there on the 28th.

Chabert's Vanga at La Mangrove

241. Blue Vanga - Cyanolanius madagascarinus madagascarinus C

Another superb species which was often to be found in multispecies feeding flocks with 4 seen at Perinet on the 16th and 2 on the 18th and 2 seen at Ranomafana on the 28th.

244. Nuthatch Vanga - Hypositta corallirostris C

A single male was watched climbing several trees at the base of the steep slope leading to the ridge at Mantady on the 17th.

245. Tylas Vanga - Tylas eduardi C

Another multispecies feeding flock species with 4 being seen at Perinet on the 16th and 4 being seen at Ranomafana on both the 26th and 28th.

246. Crested Drongo - Dicrurus forficatus forficatus C

Seen on eleven dates in fair numbers being recorded at Perinet, Mantady, Berenty (where the daily maximum of 8 was seen), Mora Mora, La Mangrove, Zombitse Forest, Relais de la Reine and Ranomafana.

Crested Drongo at Perinet

247. Pied Crow - Corvus albus C

Seen on seven dates in fair numbers being recorded at Berenty (where the daily maximum of 60 was recorded on the 20th), Tulear, between La Mangrove and Ranomafana and between Ranomafana and Antananarivo.

Pied Crow at Relais de la Reine

248. Madagascar Starling - Hartlaubius auratus C

A flock of 15 were seen in trees along the road at Perinet on the evening of the 16th.

249. Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis C

Seen on seven dates in fair numbers being recorded at Antananarivo, Berenty (where the daily maximum of 20 was seen), La Mangrove, Relais de la Reine and on the drive from Ranomafana to Antananarivo.

251. Nelicourvi Weaver - Ploceus nelicourvi C

At Perinet 2 were seen on the 16th and 18th including a male on the second date and at Ranomafana 2 were seen on the 26th. A rather impressive species of Weaver.

252. Sakalava Weaver - Ploceus sakalava minor C

Up to 20 were recorded on both the journeys between Fort Dauphin and Berenty in the Spiny Forest area, around 10 were seen in the Mora Mora Spiny Forest on the 22nd and around 30 were present around La Mangrove Hotel area on the 24th. A rather unimpressive species of Weaver !

253. Madagascar Red Fody - Foudia madagascariensis C

Suprisingly hardly any were seen with just 2 in Antananarivo on the 19th, 2 in the Mora Mora area on the 22nd and 1 in paddies ‘above’ Vohiparara on the 26th. All were drab plumaged birds.

254. Forest Fody - Foudia omissa C

A superb male was seen in forest bordering the entrance track just before reaching the Green Lake lookout point at Perinet on the 16th and a female was seen along the road between Vohiparara and the entrance to Ranomafana on the 28th.

255. Madagascar Mannikin - Lonchura nana C

This tiny species was always seen in small flocks with 6 seen at the Perinet Fish Ponds on the 16th, 5 at Relais de la Reine on the 25th, 7 at Vohiparara on the 28th and 5 at Lac Alarobia, Antananarivo on the 30th.

MAMMALS etc.

Russet Mouse-Lemur - Microcebus rufus

1 spotlighted along road at Perinet on the 16th.

Brown Lemur - Petterus fulvus

At Perinet 8 on the 16th and 3 on the 18th in the vicinity of the Orchid Garden, at Berenty c.10 on the 20th and at Ranomafana 1 along the road on the 28th.