The islands of Comoros are home to a unique and diverse array of birds. With more than 220 species of birds, Comoros provides birdwatchers with a wide variety of species to observe and enjoy.
From the colorful, endemic birds-of-paradise to the elusive, secretive nightjars, Comoros is a prime destination for birders of all levels. With its beautiful landscapes and untouched habitats, Comoros is a paradise for bird-watchers.
Whether you are looking for a chance to spot a rare species or just to enjoy the beauty of nature, Comoros is sure to provide you with a memorable bird-watching experience.
1. Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher
The Malagasy paradise flycatcher is a species of bird found in Comoros, Madagascar and Mayotte.
It has been described as having beautiful plumage with its wings and tail feathers being black on top, while the underside of its body has white markings.
This species can be seen inhabiting subtropical or tropical dry forests and moist lowland forests.
In 1760 French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson wrote about this bird in his Ornithologie book describing it as a medium-sized passerine that feeds mainly on insects caught while flying through the air among other birds like swifts or swallows.
Its diet also includes small fruits, seeds, nectar and occasionally lizards or frogs which they find by hopping around trees and bushes looking for food items hidden inside bark crevices or under leaves.
These birds have adapted well to human disturbance making them easy to spot in villages near forested areas where they make their nests out of twigs lined with mosses which are usually built high up between branches within one tree’s canopy but sometimes even constructed close to buildings.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Monarchidae |
| Genus | Terpsiphone |
| Species | T. mutata |
2. Bronze Mannikin
The Bronze Mannikin is a small passerine bird that lives in the Afrotropic region. It’s an uncommon to locally abundant species found south of the Sahara Desert, usually inhabiting mesic savanna or forest margins.
With its estimated 8,100,000 km2 global range of occurrence, it can be quite common in some places and rare in others.
This social finch loves being around people and other birds; it even has been known to join mixed flocks alongside larks and pipits.
Its vibrant feathers make for a stunning sight as it perches on tree branches singing joyfully throughout the day.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Spermestes |
| Species | S. cucullata |
3. Malagasy Kingfisher
The Malagasy kingfisher is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae that can be found inhabiting mangrove forests in Madagascar, Mayotte and the Comoros.
It was first described by French naturalists Joseph Eydoux and Paul Gervais back in 1836.
This small songbird has an average length between 11-12 cm long with blue wings, head and breast along with black markings on its eye line which extends to its nape giving it a distinguished look.
They have pale underparts as well as bright orange legs and feet. The Malagasy Kingfisher feeds mainly on insects but will also eat some smaller fish or crustaceans if available near their habitat areas.
Moreover, they are usually quite shy birds who prefer solitude however during breeding season these birds form pairs to nest together.
All things considered ,the Malagasay Kingfishers are one of Madacascar’s most beautiful avian residents.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Alcedininae |
| Genus | Corythornis |
| Species | C. vintsioides |
4. Grand Comoro Drongo
The Grand Comoro drongo is a stunning bird with glossy black feathers and matte brown contrasts. It measures around 24 cm in length, has a black bill and legs, as well as a forked tail.
This species of bird mainly feeds on fruit but will also hunt large insects like cockroaches, grasshoppers, beetles and mantes.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests located within the islands of Comoros where it is endemic to.
Unfortunately this beautiful creature is listed by the IUCN Red List category Vulnerable due to habitat degradation caused by human activities such as logging or agricultural expansion putting its future at risk if not properly managed soon enough.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. fuscipennis |
5. Comoros Thrush
The Comoros thrush is a species of bird found in the Comoros Islands, located off the coast of Africa.
It has a brown plumage with olive tinged upperparts and whitish underparts except for its flanks and breast which are covered in brown scales.
Its tail and wings also have slightly more rufous coloring than other parts of its body. The central belly and undertail coverts remain white.
This small bird prefers to inhabit tropical or subtropical moist montane forests as well as shrublands or plantations in these areas.
While it may not be considered threatened, much about this species remains unknown due to limited research conducted on it so far by scientists worldwide.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. bewsheri |
6. Greater Vasa Parrot
The Greater Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis vasa) is a beautiful and unique bird native to Madagascar and the Comoros. It was first described by English zoologist George Shaw in 1812, with three subspecies recognized – C.
v. vasa from Madagascar, C.v nana from Anjouan Island of the Comoros Islands, and C.v goliathi from Grande-Comore Island of the same archipelago.
The species belongs to genus Mascarinus according to some authorities.
These birds are medium sized parrots known for their striking colors – black head plumage streaked white while its underside being blueish grey or olive green coloration adorned with yellow highlights on wings ans tail feathers; they have bright orange eyes.
They nest in tree cavities laying 2–5 eggs usually during rainy season between November & April when food availability is maximum.
Their diet consists mainly of fruits but also includes seeds , buds etc making them omnivores .Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittrichasiidae |
| Genus | Coracopsis |
| Species | C. vasa |
7. Karthala White-Eye
The Karthala white-eye is a small, brown bird native to Grand Comore in the Indian Ocean.
It has bright yellow eyes and a distinctive black band across its brow that sets it apart from other birds of the same genus.
This species is found mainly in Philippia heath woodland on Mount Karthala, an active volcano known for producing frequent lava flows.
Unfortunately, this places them at risk as future eruptions could potentially wipe out their entire population.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique bird and ensure its survival into the distant future.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Zosteropidae |
| Genus | Zosterops |
| Species | Z. mouroniensis |
8. Cuckooshrike
Cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds found mainly in the subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia. They are usually arboreal, feeding on insects or fruit near foliage.
They have a stout bill with long wings and tails that can be used for balancing while perched on branches.
Cuckooshrike plumage is mostly grayish brown but some species may also feature black spots or stripes. The juvenile cuckooshrikes typically show more yellowish coloration than adults do.
These birds form monogamous pairs which often remain together year round defending their territory from other species as well as potential rivals within their own family group.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Infraorder | Corvides |
| Family | Campephagidae Vigors, 1825 |
9. Crab-Plover
The crab-plover is an exceptional bird which belongs to its own family, Dromadidae. It appears to be closely related to the waders and other Charadriiformes such as auks, gulls and thick-knees.
This species of bird has a unique look; it is white with black markings on its head and wings. Its long bill helps them dig for food in sand or mudflats.
They can also fly up into the air when disturbed by predators or people too close for comfort.
The crab plover spends most of its life near beaches where they feed on crabs, fish eggs and small insects found there.
These birds are highly social during breeding season but solitary at other times throughout their annual cycle making them difficult creatures to spot out in the wild but well worth trying.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Dromadidae GR Gray, 1840 |
| Genus | Dromas Paykull, 1805 |
| Species | D. ardeola |
10. Rollers
Rollers are birds that belong to the Coraciidae family. They are known for their aerial acrobatics which they display during courtship or territorial flights, earning them their name.
Rollers share similarities with crows in terms of size and shape, but they have a more vibrant appearance like kingfishers and bee-eaters — blues and pinkish or cinnamon browns being the most common colors.
These birds also have an interesting feature: two inner front toes connected together while the outer ones remain separated from each other.
Their impressive flying skills make rollers one of nature’s beauties, captivating us all with its colorful feathers and graceful moves.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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11. Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds, consisting of four genera and 17 species. They are distinguished from other charadrii by their long bills which have a slight downward curve.
Glareolidae live around open grasslands and deserts, where they hunt for insects using the bill to probe into soil or vegetation.
Most species are found in Africa but two pratincoles inhabit parts of Europe and Asia as well.
Coursers tend to be larger than pratincoles with longer legs allowing them to run quickly across sandy dunes while feeding on small animals like lizards or spiders.
Pratincoles feed mainly on flying insects, snatching them out of midair with great agility during flight.
All glareolids share unique features such as large eyes that help it spot prey at night easily making this group one interesting bird family.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Glareolidae CL Brehm, 1831 |
12. Madagascar Pratincole
The Madagascar Pratincole is a species of bird in the family Glareolidae and can be found throughout East Africa, from Comoros to Mozambique. Its natural habitats are diverse and range from subtropical grasslands to rivers, lakes and intertidal marshes.
It has striking white underparts that contrast with its black upper parts giving it an attractive appearance.
Unfortunately this beautiful bird is threatened by habitat loss due to ever increasing human activity as well as pollution which affects their food sources such as insects.
Conservation efforts must be made in order save these birds so they may continue inhabiting our planet for future generations to enjoy.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Glareolidae |
| Genus | Glareola |
| Species | G. ocularis |
13. Comoros Blue Pigeon
The Comoros blue pigeon is a species of bird found in the family Columbidae, and it is endemic to the Comoros and coralline Seychelles. It has been classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List due to its declining population.
This small bird measures 27 cm long with males typically weighing between 134-158 grams while females are slightly lighter.
This species has an iridescent greenish-blue plumage which makes them easily recognizable in their natural habitat among other birds.
They have a white patch around their eyes that contrast against their black beak and feet, both of which aid foraging for food such as seeds, fruits, grains and insects from trees or bushes within forests or grasslands.
The conservation status of this species needs attention since they rely heavily on intact habitats for survival; therefore any destruction can lead to further declines in numbers if not addressed adequately soon enough.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Alectroenas |
| Species | A. sganzini |
14. Monarch Flycatcher
The Monarch flycatcher is a small passerine bird, belonging to the family Monarchidae. It inhabits forest or woodland areas across sub-Saharan Africa, south-east Asia, Australasia and various Pacific islands.
Only some species migrate seasonally. This beautiful little bird has a long tail and feeds mainly on insects it catches in its beak.
Its cup shaped nest can often be found hanging from branches high up in trees where they are safe from predators while incubating their eggs – usually between two to four of them at once.
The adult birds have attractive plumage with hues of blues and greens along with white patches near their tails which make for stunning displays when they take flight during mating season or migratory times.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Corvoidea |
| Family | Monarchidae Bonaparte, 1854 |
15. Comoros Olive Pigeon
The Comoros olive pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, found in the Comoro Islands and Mayotte.
It is easily distinguishable due to its dark plumage and large size compared to other birds native to this region.
Young pigeons have bright yellow bills which become darker as they mature into adults.
Unfortunately, their population has been decreasing recently due to habitat loss, making them a rare sight in some parts of their range.
In order for us humans who share their environment with these majestic creatures to help preserve them, we must act now before it’s too late.
We can do our part by conserving natural habitats that are essential for providing food sources and shelter for wildlife such as this beautiful species of pigeon.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. pollenii |
16. Anjouan Sunbird
The Anjouan sunbird is a charming little bird native to Anjouan island in the Comoros. It has vivid colors, with its head and neck being bright yellow and its back an iridescent blue-green.
This species can be found inhabiting both subtropical lowland forests as well as moist montane forests on the island.
The diet of these birds mostly consists of nectar taken from flowers, but they will also eat small insects occasionally for added protein.
As it is endemic to only one area, conservation efforts are necessary in order to protect this gorgeous creature’s natural habitat so that it may continue living free on Anjouan Island for years to come.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Cinnyris |
| Species | C. comorensis |
17. Allen’s Gallinule
Allen’s gallinule is a small waterbird belonging to the family Rallidae. Its scientific name, Porphyrio alleni, commemorates British naval officer Rear-Admiral William Allen (1792–1864).
It breeds in marshes and lakes across Sub-Saharan Africa. The bird usually builds its nest on floating vegetation or platforms of reeds near water bodies.
It feeds mainly on aquatic plants, tadpoles and insects that it finds while swimming in shallow waters or walking along the edges of wetlands.
They are highly social birds often seen foraging together with other species such as moorhens and coots.
The male is identified by his bright blue bill whereas females have brown bills with yellow tips during breeding season which helps them attract potential mates.
Allen’s Gallinules are quite vocal creatures making loud alarm calls when threatened by predators like eagles or herons which makes them interesting avian inhabitants of African wetlands.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porphyrio |
| Species | P. alleni |
18. Karthala Scops Owl
The Karthala scops owl is a small, endemic species of bird found only on the island of Grande Comore in the Comoro Islands.
It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of Madagascar scops owl but has since been regarded as its own distinct species due to differences between it and other owls found elsewhere in the archipelago.
The Karthala scops owl has yellow eyes with black rings around them and an orange face with white spots on either side.
Its body is greyish-brown above and lighter below, which gives it excellent camouflage when hunting for prey at night or resting during the day.
This elusive creature can often be heard calling out at dusk from high up perches among trees or rocks – so keep your ears open if you’re ever visiting Grand Comore.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. pauliani |
19. Comoros Fody
The Comoros fody is a species of passerine bird found in the Comoros. It has an unmistakable red head and yellow breast, making it easily identifiable among other birds.
The taxon aldabrana was previously considered to be a subspecies of this bird, as well as the forest fody from Madagascar.
These birds generally inhabit open woodlands or plantations near rivers and marshes, where they feed on insects and small fruits.
They are highly social creatures that form monogamous pairs during breeding season and live together year-round in flocks with up to 20 individuals.
With their distinctive plumage, singing abilities, and playful behavior these beautiful birds make excellent additions to any backyard aviary.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ploceidae |
| Genus | Foudia |
| Species | F. eminentissima |
20. Humblot’s Sunbird
Humblot’s Sunbird is a species of bird found in the islands of Grand Comoro and Mohéli, located in the Comoros. It has green upperparts with either dark or gold gloss, depending on its subspecies.
The nominate subspecies sports glossy green throat and breast while that from Mohéli has duller plumage.
Males are more vibrantly colored than females who have yellowish-green upperparts with greyish underparts.
They feed mainly on nectar but also take insects as part of their diet, making them an important contributor to pollination across these islands.
Humblot’s sunbirds make use of various habitats such as woodlands, mangroves swamps and gardens for nesting purposes during breeding season which makes them easily observable by people living nearby.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Cinnyris |
| Species | C. humbloti |
21. Frances’s Sparrowhawk
Frances’s sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey found in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. It inhabits dense forests, large woodlands and savannas, often near water bodies such as rivers or lakes.
The species was named after Lady Frances Cole (died 1847), wife of Cape Colony governor Lowry Cole.
They are characterized by their slate-gray feathers on the upperparts that contrast with white underparts; they also have yellow legs and feet, bright red eyes and short tails with black tips.
Their diet consists mainly of insects but they can catch larger animals like bats when needed.
Despite being widely distributed across its range, this species remains vulnerable due to deforestation which affects both its habitat availability as well as its food sources.
Therefore conservation efforts are necessary to ensure it survives for future generations to enjoy.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. francesiae |
22. Crested Drongo
The Crested Drongo is a beautiful passerine bird belonging to the Dicruridae family. It has an impressive black body with a shimmering bluish-green sheen, as well as a distinctive crest on its forehead and forked tail.
There are two subspecies of this species; D. f. forficatus which can be found in Madagascar and D. f for potior which is larger and native to Comoro Islands.
This specie thrives in both dry and humid lowland forests as well as open savannah country, making it very adaptable to different environments .
They typically feed on insects but also hunt small birds or lizards if they have too. The crested drongo is truly remarkable creature that people admire all over the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. forficatus |
23. Red Fody
The Red Fody is a small bird native to Madagascar and introduced to other islands in the Indian Ocean.
It has an attractive red plumage and can be seen in various habitats, including grasslands, forests, scrubland as well as urban areas.
Though widespread throughout its range, it is still considered vulnerable due to human activity leading to habitat destruction.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have assessed this species’ conservation status at “least concern” because of their high population numbers despite ongoing threats like deforestation and over-hunting by humans.
It feeds on insects but also enjoys eating fruits like figs and mangoes which makes them popular with farmers near crop fields.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ploceidae |
| Genus | Foudia |
| Species | F. madagascariensis |
24. Lesser Noddy
The Lesser Noddy is a seabird found near the coastlines of several countries in the Indian Ocean.
It has distinctive black feathers and was once thought to be related to its cousin, the Black Noddy.
The two share many similarities such as appearance, behavior and habitat preferences but have been confirmed as separate species.
They typically feed on small fish or invertebrates near shoreline areas like coral reefs or mangroves forests.
Breeding season usually occurs during springtime when they build nests out of plant material high up in trees close to water sources.
These birds are important for maintaining balance within their local ecosystems by helping recycle nutrients from sea creatures into land organisms via droppings released onto coastal vegetation systems which can help regenerate new growths over time.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. tenuirostris |
25. Mayotte Scops Owl
The Mayotte scops owl is an endemic species to the island of Mayotte in the Comoros, belonging to the family Strigidae.
It has a small stature and can reach up to 20 cm in height with greyish-brown plumage on its back and white or yellow facial disc.
Its wingspan measures between 35-39 cm while it weighs around 75 grams.
The diet of this bird mainly consists of insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers etc., supplemented by smaller vertebrates like lizards occasionally.
This species was previously thought to be conspecific with other owls but recent studies have revealed thematic differences amongst each other which enabled them being recognized as separate entities altogether.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. mayottensis |
26. Malagasy Turtle Dove
The Malagasy Turtle Dove is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family. It can be found in areas such as Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mayotte and Réunion.
This dove has several subspecies which vary slightly in their appearance. The most enigmatic among them is the extinct Rodrigues pigeon from Rodrigues on Mascarenes.
These birds typically have bright colored plumage with various shades of grey and white that helps it blend into its environment for safety purposes when needed.
Their wings are long and pointed making them fast flyers while also helping them maneuver through trees or bushes if necessary as they search for food sources like seeds or fruits.
They usually build nests high up in tree branches where both male and female take turns incubating eggs until hatching occurs after about fourteen days..Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Nesoenas |
| Species | N. picturatus |
27. Lesser Vasa Parrot
The Lesser Vasa Parrot is a black parrot native to Madagascar. It has three other close relatives, the Greater Vasa, Seychelles Black and Comoros Black Parrots.
These four species are all considered part of the same genus – Coracopsis. The Lesser Vasa Parrot is primarily arboreal and feeds on fruits, seeds and insects in its natural habitat.
They form strong pairs for life that can even be maintained after captivity release back into wild populations.
In addition to this they have an impressive vocal range with some individuals being able to imitate human speech quite clearly making them ideal pet birds as well as attractive ones too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittrichasiidae |
| Genus | Coracopsis |
| Species | C. nigra |
28. Grand Comoro Bulbul
The Grand Comoro bulbul is a beautiful songbird found on the Comoro Islands. It has an olive-brown plumage, with distinctive yellowish underparts and a dark eyestripe.
This species of bulbul prefers subtropical or tropical moist montane forests as its natural habitat.
Until 2011, it was considered to be part of the Moheli subspecies but since then it has been classified separately due to differences in appearance and behavior; such as being slightly plumper than other Hypsipetes parvirostris species.
The Grand Comoro bulbul can often be seen foraging in pairs or small groups throughout the day making melodic calls that carry through their environment.
They mainly feed on fruit, but will also take insects from time to time when available during breeding season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Hypsipetes |
| Species | H. parvirostris |
29. Mayotte Drongo
The Mayotte drongo is a species of bird endemic to the island of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean.
It can be found in various habitats including subtropical or tropical lowland forests, mangrove forests and shrublands, as well as plantations.
Unfortunately its population is threatened by habitat loss due to human activities such as deforestation for agriculture and urbanization.
This unique species has glossy black plumage with white markings on wings and tail feathers which make it easily recognizable among other birds within its range.
The conservation status of this beautiful bird needs further attention since it could face extinction if suitable measures are not taken soon enough.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. waldenii |
30. Malagasy White-Eye
The Malagasy white-eye is a mesmerizing bird species found in Madagascar and Seychelles. This small, lively creature resides mainly in subtropical or tropical dry forests, lowland forests, mangrove forests and montane forests.
It was first documented by French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson back in 1760. The Malagasy white-eye has yellow eyes with black pupils surrounded by a thin ring of pale blue feathers which gives it an unforgettable charm.
Its body is olive-green while its wings are brownish grey on the upper side with lighter shades underneath; additionally they have distinctive wing bars consisting of creamy off whites and dark greys.
All these features make this beautiful little bird quite unique amongst other birds of its kind.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Zosteropidae |
| Genus | Zosterops |
| Species | Z. maderaspatanus |
31. African Black Swift
The African black swift is a fascinating bird belonging to the swift family. It can be found in various regions of Africa, ranging from Liberia and Cameroon, all the way southwards to South Africa.
Its plumage varies between individuals – some having almost completely black feathers while others have greyer tones with white bellies.
The wings are relatively long, allowing it to fly at great speeds through open skies or along rocky cliffsides where they typically nest during breeding season.
As such their diet consists primarily of flying insects which they catch mid-air.
Their conservation status currently stands as least concern due to its large population size; however we should continue monitoring them closely so that future generations may also appreciate this remarkable creatureScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. barbatus |
32. White-Fronted Plover
The White-fronted Plover is a small shorebird that inhabits sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It has white feathers on its head and chest with gray wings, brown back, black lower belly and legs.
Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, mollusks and worms found in the sand or mudflats along coasts or river banks.
The bird’s nesting behavior involves creating shallow scrapes in the ground to lay one to three eggs which are then incubated by both parents for around 24 days before hatching.
This species of plover is monogamous meaning it will form pairs for life as well as being quite long lived with an expected lifespan up to 10 years old.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. marginatus |
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33. Senegal Lapwing
The Senegal Lapwing is a species of wading bird found in many parts of Africa. It has distinctive black wings and white plumage, with yellow-orange legs that help it stand out against its surroundings.
The Senegal Lapwing feeds on small insects, larvae, worms, crustaceans and other invertebrates which they find by probing the ground with their beaks.
They also eat some grains and seeds when available during dry seasons or times of food scarcity.
During breeding season they form large flocks to defend their nests from predators such as snakes, lizards or birds of prey while one adult stays behind to guard the nest at all times until chicks are ready to leave the nest at about three weeks old.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. lugubris |
34. Malagasy Coucal
The Malagasy coucal is a species of cuckoo found in Madagascar and the Seychelles. It lives amid dense vegetation, such as subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, mangrove forests, rough grasslands, marshes and reedbeds.
Its size varies from 28-35 cm long with dark brown upperparts and black underparts. The tail has white tips on its feathers that can be seen when it flies away quickly.
This bird makes loud calls to attract mates during breeding season which usually starts around October/November until April/May every year.
The female lays up to four eggs at once on the ground while both parents take turns incubating them for 14 days before hatching takes place.
All in all this beautiful creature adds an incredible amount of beauty to Madagascar’s wildlife.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. toulou |
35. Madagascar Cuckoo
The Madagascar cuckoo, also known as the ‘Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo’ is a species of bird found in the family Cuculidae.
It breeds only on the island of Madagascar but spends its non-breeding season across several countries such African Great Lakes region and Indian Ocean islands including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda , South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.
This small to medium sized bird has red eyes with a black bill.
Its upperparts are greyish brown while underparts are pale buff or white that gets darker towards lower abdomen area.
It feeds mainly on insects like caterpillars which it captures by gleaning from foliage or hovering over them before pouncing at them from above.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. rochii |
36. Malagasy Bulbul
The Malagasy bulbul is a species of songbird belonging to the Pycnonotidae family. It can be found in Madagascar and other nearby islands in the south-western Indian Ocean.
With an alternate name of black bulbul, this bird has black plumage on its upperparts, white underparts and pinkish legs.
Its voice is distinctive with loud whistles which it uses for communication purposes among members of its flock or as warnings against predators.
This beautiful bird feeds mainly on insects but also consumes some fruits like figs from trees or shrubs that grow around their habitat areas.
They prefer moist forests and woodlands where they build nests high up off the ground to protect themselves from potential danger and lay eggs twice a year during certain months depending on location within range countries.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Hypsipetes |
| Species | H. madagascariensis |
37. Mayotte Sunbird
The Mayotte sunbird is a beautiful species of bird, endemic to the islands of Mayotte and its surrounding islets in the southeastern Comoros. It belongs to the family Nectariniidae and lives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
This small songbird has an olive-green back with yellowish underparts, while its head sports black cheek patches and a forehead patch that appears white when seen from afar.
Its bill is long, slender, curved downwards at the tip; it also features two pairs of elongated feathers on either side of their crowns – which are unique amongst birds belonging to this family.
The male’s throat displays bright blue colors during breeding season as well. They feed primarily on nectar found in flowers but have been known to eat insects occasionally too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Cinnyris |
| Species | C. coquerellii |
38. Mascarene Martin
The Mascarene martin, also known as the Mascarene swallow is a passerine bird in the swallow family which breeds on Madagascar and the Mascarane Islands.
The nominate subspecies of this species can only be found from Mauritius to Réunion while its Madagascan counterpart migrates for winters to East Africa or Arabian Peninsula.
This small bird has an overall length up to 15 cm along with a wingspan close to 30 cm. Its plumage is blackish-brown above and whitish below with some orange tinges near its neck region.
It feeds mainly on flying insects such as beetles, dragonflies among others that it catches mid-flight.
These birds are found either singly or in pairs during their breeding season which generally ranges between April–September throughout their range areas but varies according to locality conditionsScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Phedina Bonaparte, 1855 |
| Species | P. borbonica |
39. Malagasy Black Swift
The Malagasy black swift is a species of bird found in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. It has glossy dark plumage, with white patches on its tail feathers.
Its long wingspan gives it an impressive ability to soar high in the sky for extended periods of time; this makes them well adapted to their habitats, which are mainly subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests.
These birds feed on insects that they catch while flying through the air at great speeds; though not much else is known about their behaviour due to their elusiveness.
The Malagasy black swift is currently listed as “Vulnerable” by IUCN Red List due to destruction of its natural habitat and potential threats from hunting practices; hopefully future conservation efforts will help protect these stunning creatures so that we can appreciate them for generations to come.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. balstoni |
40. Malagasy Harrier
The Malagasy harrier is a beautiful bird of prey that inhabits Madagascar and the Comoro Islands in the Indian Ocean.
It was once considered to be a subspecies of Réunion Harrier, but is now treated as its own species due its distinct characteristics.
The Malagasy harrier has long legs with yellow toes, light brown wings and white stripes on their chest which gives them an impressive appearance when flying through the air.
They feed mainly on small birds such as larks or pipits and use their sharp talons to snatch up prey from shallow water bodies like marshes or wetlands.
This majestic raptor makes for quite a sight soaring high above during migration season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circus |
| Species | C. macrosceles |
