sign in sign up
<<
Home , Asity, Bernieridae, Blaesodactylus sakalava, Blue coua, Brown mesite, Calumma

: The Wonders of the “8th Continent” A Tropical Birding Custom Trip

October 20—November 6, 2016 Guide: Ken Behrens

All photos taken during this trip by Ken Behrens

Annotated list by Jerry Connolly

TOUR SUMMARY

Madagascar has long been a core destination for Tropical Birding, and with the opening of a satellite office in the country several years ago, we further solidified our expertise in the “Eighth Continent.” This custom trip followed an itinerary similar to that of our main set-departure tour. Although this trip had a definite bird bias, it was really a general natural history tour. We took our time in observing and photographing whatever we could find, from to to bizarre invertebrates. Madagascar is rich in wonderful , and we enjoyed these to the fullest. But its , , , and are just as wondrous and accessible, and a trip that ignored them would be sorely missing out. We also took time to enjoy the cultural riches of Madagascar, the small villages full of smiling children, the zebu carts which seem straight out of the Middle Ages, and the ingeniously engineered rice paddies. If you want to come to Madagascar and see it all… come with Tropical Birding! Madagascar is well known to pose some logistical challenges, especially in the form of the national airline Air Madagascar, but we enjoyed perfectly smooth sailing on this tour. We stayed in the most comfortable hotels available at each stop on the itinerary, including some that have just recently opened, and savored some remarkably good food, which many people rank as the best

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 they have ever had on any birding tour. Especially considering that Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, the fine food and excellent lodging that you’re able to enjoy on a tour of the country are quite remarkable. The birding was great, and though this itinerary wasn’t aimed to maximize the bird list or the endemic tally, we recorded a solid 155 , including virtually all of the endemics and other specialties possible on our route. As usual, the highlight was seeing all five of the incredible ground-rollers, from the roadrunner-like Long-tailed of the spiny to the wonderful - dwelling Scaly. There was a strong cast of , including the range-restricted Red-shouldered, anpitta-like Crossley’s, and huge Sickle-billed. As normal, the were also favorites. From the shy and beautiful Red-breasted of the eastern rainforest to the huge Giant of the dry western forest, to the elusive Verreaux’s Coua of the southwest, we were looking for and at couas virtually every day. The bizarre form a Malagasy endemic family, and we had superb views of two of the three members of the family: Brown and Subdesert. The form yet another endemic family, and we saw two of its members: The , a large and colorful rainforest coua. Velvet and Common -Asity. The Malagasy “warblers” or “” were recently found to constitute an endemic family, the . Most of these birds at not colorful, but there is much to be enjoyed in their subtly different shapes and drastically different feeding strategies. In Zombitse we saw the highly localized and rare Appert’s Tetraka, and several sightings of the hefty Long-billed Tetraka were thoroughly appreciated.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Crab Plovers and Sanderlings on Nosy Ve.

The colony of gorgeous Red-tailed Tropicbirds on Nosy Ve was much enjoyed and photographed, as always. One special treat this year was seeing a couple of tropicbirds sitting on the water, far away from the island – very different from the normal in-flight views at the colony. A pod of Spinner Dolphins on the way to the island was another great bonus sighting. Madagascar Crested Ibis is one of the toughest birds on this tour, but this year we were treated to a good sighting of a pair in Andasibe after dedicating most of a day to searching for this elusive bird. We had excellent views of Madagascar Sparrowhawk, Henst’s Goshawk, and Madagascar - Hawk, three of the island’s most elusive raptors. Coastal sites held good shorebirding as normal, and we spotted Greater Painted-snipes, Madagascar Plover, and the much-wanted Crab Plover, which makes up its own family. In the eastern rainforest, we enjoyed astoundingly good views of two tough rails: Madagascar Flufftail and Madagascar Wood-. Owls and nightjars were well represented; we had great looks at Madagascar Scops-Owl, White-browed Owl, Madagascasr

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 Long-eared Owl, and Collared Nightjar. A Madagascar Pygmy- that shot into view and perched a few feet in front of the group was a real crowd pleaser. The bright orange coloration of this tiny forest-dwelling kingfisher almost seems to glow in the dark forest interior. OK, the birding was great. But in Madagascar the birding is only part of the story. Of course, we run birding tours, and the birds have priority in some sense. However, one of the amazing things about tours to this island is that you can also see an astounding array of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, , and other wildlife, without sacrificing a single bird. Sometimes birding tours see more mammals than do devoted “mammaling” tours! The “mammaling” on this tour was

exceptional. Overall, we In Isalo National Park, we had fantastic recorded 24 mammals, views of a day-roosting Madagascar Long-eared Owl. most of which were lemurs, from the tiny mouse-lemurs up to Indri and Diademed Sifaka, the largest living species. Between were a captivating range of dwarf lemurs, spunky sportive lemurs, the tree-clinging Eastern Woolly Lemurs, a variety of brown lemurs, and the big and beautiful Black-and-white Ruffed . There were some great non-lemur mammals too, such as the cute

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 little Lesser Hedgehog , and a beautiful Ring-tailed Vontsira (formerly known as “mongoose”). This was also an excellent tour for reptiles and amphibians; we racked up 37 species of reptiles. The chameleons alone showed incredible diversity; we saw 10 species, including the world’s two largest chameleons, and one of its smallest. were spectacular. Perhaps best of all was the Satanic -tailed , one of the Diademed Sifaka, a member of the indri family, and one of the largest best-camouflaged living lemurs. on earth, but it had strong support from Madagascar Ground Gecko, with eyes like the evil lord Sauron, and a bunch of beautiful blazing-green day geckos. The presence of iguanids or “swifts” on Madagascar is a mysterious fact of biogeography, making us especially appreciate seeing three species of swifts (the , not the birds!). The boas are another Malagasy biogeographic mystery, and were also the serpentine highlight; we saw Dumeril’s Boa, and both Western and Eastern Madagascar Tree Boas. Although October is still quite dry in most parts of Madagascar, and it’s not quite prime season, we identified several species of , including the gorgeous Baron’s Mantella.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 We were once again in full “ mode” on this trip as well. We identified 41 species of butterflies, the majority of which were endemics. Some of the highlights included the massive Madagascar Giant Swallowtail, many sightings of the enigmatic Madagascar Metalmarks, the truly Brilliant Blue, and Madagascar Malachite Swallowtail, just to name a few. Two amazing were also highlights: the huge Comet , and the splendid and very butterfly-like Madagascar Sunset Moth. Other prized invertebrate sightings included the famous Giraffe-necked Weevil and the less well-known but biogeographically fascinating pillbug millipede.

Merrem’s Madagascar Swift. The Malagasy iguanids are probably a relict of the days of Gondwanaland.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 ITINERARY

October 20 Arrival in Antananarivo. October 21 Flight to Tulear. Drive to Ifaty. October 22 Ifaty. October 23 Ifaty to Tulear. October 24 Boat trip to Nosy Ve and Anakao. October 25 Tulear to Isalo. October 26 Isalo NP. October 27 Isalo to Ranomafana National Park. October 28 Ranomafana National Park. October 29 Ranomafana to Antsirabe. October 30 Antsirabe to Andasibe. October 31 Andasibe-Mantadia NP. November 1 Andasibe-Mantadia NP. November 2 Andasibe-Mantadia NP. November 3 Andasibe to Anjojorobe. November 4 Anjojorobe. November 5 Anjojorobe to Antananarivo. November 6 Departure from Antananarivo

We employed a wide range of conveyances on this trip: planes, busses, 4x4s, and even zebu carts…

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 PHOTO GALLERY Follows tour’s chronology

Eurasian Moorhen of the regional endemic subspecies (left). Madagascar (r.) is a common endemic.

On our first morning, we kicked off birding right in Tana, where we found a bunch of common endemic birds and a great selection of waterbirds, including Black Heron, Red-billed (Teal), and White-faced Whistling-Duck.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

A beautiful and bizarre mudskipper in coastal near Ifaty.

An Elegant Skink in the spiny forest.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Birding in the otherworldly spiny forest.

A beautiful hairstreak (left) and an oddly black-shouldered sportive-lemur, probably Petter’s (right).

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Fony Baobab (left) in the spiny forest. Madagascar Harrier-Hawk (right).

Madagascar Nightjar on a nest.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Watching the rare endemic Madagascar Plover on a coastal flat.

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, representing the fascinating though rarely seen near-endemic tenrec family.

Our luxurious ocean-side hotel in Ifaty.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

The Long-tailed Ground-Roller is one of the top birds of the southwest.

The Gold-spotted Skink is an uncommon that we were lucky to see in the spiny forest.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

A Verreaux’s Coua in dry “ rag” scrub near La Table.

The highly localized Red-shouldered .

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Our sightings in the wonderfully well-run Tulear Arboretum included Madagascar Nightjar (above), some captive Radiated Tortoises (below left), and Madagascar Magpie-Robin (below right).

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Tulear’s marine museum has a couple of coelacanth on display.

It was nice to see Red-tailed Tropicbirds on the water on our Nosy Ve boat trip.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Grandidier’s and Antsianaka Caper Whites mud-puddling at Zombitse, where (right) was one of our top avian sightings.

Ring-tailed Lemurs in Isalo National Park.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

“Benson’s” Forest Rock-Thrush on the sandstone of Isalo.

Red-fronted Brown Lemur (left) in Isalo NP. A tasty and beautifully prepared breakfast (right), just a hint of the many culinary delights on this tour.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Our luxurious and magically situated hotel at Isalo.

A smiling Western Madagascar Tree Boa.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Although the High Plateau is tragically degraded from a biological perspective, it is scenically stunning. The mountain in the background is where the Betsileo royalty chose to throw themselves off in mass suicide rather than submit to the dominion of the Merina during their conquering of the island.

In Ambalavao, we saw tradition Antimora paper being made and decorated with fresh flowers. Hundreds of years before British missionaries transcribed Malagasy into its modern written form, it was first transcribed into Arabic characters, and written on this kind of paper.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Ranomafana is lemur paradise. The Red-bellied Lemur is just one of many species that we spotted there.

The -like Ground-Roller is one of the top 5 ground-rollers.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

A hardy few of our group stayed late in Ranomafana and came up with great sightings of Brown .

On our night walk, highlights included O'Shaughnessy's (left) and Rufous Mouse Lemur (right)

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

The Scaly Ground-Roller has an abundance of exquisite detail to enjoy. It’s a definite top-fiver.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

The asities, like this male (right), form a family of birds that is endemic to Madagascar. The Greater Bamboo Lemur (left) feeds on the main stems of giant bamboo.

This Ring-tailed Vontsira wanted to share our picnic lunch in Ranomafana!

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Ambositra is the center of a thriving artisanal woodworking industry. We saw a demonstration of the clever tools and techniques that are used to create amazing designs, at tremendous cost of time and attention.

Madagascar Wagtail is found throughout the island, but is most common in the wet east.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Tylas Vanga (left) and Madagascar Cuckoo-Roller (right) in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.

Malagasy Forest Glade Nymph catching a sunbeam in the otherwise dim rainforest interior.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Jerry showing off one of his many talents in a relaxed moment in Andasibe.

We made an adventurous canoe trip in a successful attempt to see the elusive Madagascar Crested Ibis.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

On the way back to Tana, we stopped at a reptile park to enjoy creatures like Common Leaf-tailed Gecko (above) and Jewelled Chameleon (below).

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

A couple of dinky endemics at Saha: Madagascar White-eye (left) and Common Sunbird-Asity (right).

We had great views of the often-elusive Gray-crowned Tetraka at Saha Forest Camp.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016

Rainforest vista from the terrace of Saha Forest Camp.

Our final afternoon was spent at the Ambohimanga Rova, the seat of the Merina noble family which went on to conquer all of the highlands, then eventually the whole island. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides fascinating insight into Madagascar’s enigmatic history.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 ANNOTATED BIRD LIST

Taxonomy and nomenclature follow The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World v2016 (including updates through August 2016).

DUCKS White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata Tana Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor Tana (guide only) E Meller's Duck Anas melleri Tana, Mantadia Red-billed Duck (Teal) Anas erythrorhyncha Tana Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota Tana PHEASANTS, , allies Margaroperdix E Madagascar Partridge madagascarensis Le Relais de la Reine GREBES E Madagascar (Little) Grebe Tachybaptus pelzelnii Mantadia TROPICBIRDS Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda Nosy Ve HAMMERKOP Drives, best at Saha Forest Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Camp HERONS Essp Gray Heron Ardea cinerea firasa Drive to Tulear from Ifaty E Humblot's Heron Ardea humbloti Drive to Tulear from Ifaty Ardea purpurea Essp Purple Heron madagascariensis Isalo Great (White) Egret Ardea alba first in Tana RE Little (Dimorphic) Egret Egretta garzetta dimorpha first in Tana Black Heron (Egret) Egretta ardesiaca first in Tana Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis first in Tana (Common) Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides first in Tana RBE Madagascar Pond-Heron Ardeola idae Tana Essp Striated (Green-backed) Heron Butorides striata rutenbergi Tana Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax first in Tana IBISES, SPOONBILLS E Madagascan (Crested) Ibis Lophotibis cristata Andasibe all-day quest HAWKS, , KITES E Madagascar Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides radiatus Ifaty Spiny Forest E Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda madagascariensis Ifaty Spiny Forest, Saha Essp Frances's Goshawk Accipiter f. francesii Ifaty Spiny Forest, Andisabe E Madagascar Sparrowhawk Accipiter madagascariensis Ifaty Spiny Forest E Henst's Goshawk Accipiter henstii Saha Forest Camp Black (Yellow-billed) Kite Milvus migrans (parasitus) first in Tulear E Madagascar brachypterus first in Isalo

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 MESITES "Extra credit" at E unicolor Ranomafana E Monias benschi Ifaty Spiny Forest RAILS, GALLINULES, COOTS E Madagascar Rail Rallus madagascariensis Heard only @ Mantadia RE White-throated Rail Dryolimnas c. cuvieri first in Tana Gallinula chloropus Eurasian Moorhen pyrrhorrhoa Tana Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata Tana FLUFFTAILS E Madagascar Wood-Rail Canirallus kioloides Perinet E Madagascar Flufftail Sarothrura insularis Mantadia STILTS, AVOCETS Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Tulear PLOVERS Black-bellied (Grey) Plover Pluvialis squatarola Tulear Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Tana, Ifaty Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Tana E Madagascar Plover Charadrius thoracicus Ifaty Charadrius tricollaris Essp Three-banded Plover bifrontatus Ifaty Charadrius marginatus Essp White-fronted Plover tenellus Ifaty PAINTED-SNIPES Tulear, drive from Saha to Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis Tana SANDPIPERS, ALLIES Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Ifaty Common Greenshank Tringa stagnatilis Ifaty Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Ifaty Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Tulear Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Ifaty Sanderling Calidris alba Tulear BUTTONQUAIL E Madagascar Buttonquail Turnix nigricollis Tulear Arboretum CRAB PLOVER Crab Plover Dromas ardeola Nosy Ve PRATICOLES, COURSERS From bridge en route to BE Madagascar Pratincole Glareola ocularis Perinet GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Ifaty Great Crested (Swift) Tern Thalasseus bergii Nosy Ve Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis Nosy Ve

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 PIGEONS, DOVES I Rock Pigeon (Dove) Columba livia cities Essp Madagascar Turtle-Dove Streptopelia p. picturata first in Ifaty Essp Namaqua Dove Oena capensis aliena first in Ifaty Treron australis Essp Madagascar Green-Pigeon xenius/australis Feon'ny Ala, Andsibe Alectroenas E Madagascar Blue-Pigeon madagascariensis Feon'ny Ala, Andsibe Seen well in Ifaty Spiny BE Madagascar (Lesser) Cuckoo Cuculus rochii Forest, heard throughout E Giant Coua Coua gigas Zombitse NP E Coquerel's Coua Coua coquereli Zombitse NP E Red-breasted Coua Coua serriana Perinet E Red-fronted Coua Coua reynaudii Ranomafana [(Green-capped) Red-capped E Coua] Coua ruficeps olivaceiceps Ifaty Spiny Forest E Coua cursor Ifaty Spiny Forest E Coua cristata Ifaty Spiny Forest E Verreaux's Coua Coua verreauxi La Table (Tulear) E Blue Coua Coua caerulea Ranomafana, Perinet RE Madagascar Centropus toulou toulou throughout TYPICAL OWLS E Malagasy Scops-Owl Otus rutilus Perinet, Saha E Madagascar Long-eared Owl Asio madagascariensis Isalo, Perinet E White-browed Owl Ninox superciliaris Zombitse NP NIGHTJARS, ALLIES E Collared Nightjar Gactornis enarratus Perinet Caprimulgus m. RE Madagascar Nightjar madagascariensis Tulear Arboretum SWIFTS Malagasy Spinetail (Mad.Sp- RE Swift) Zoonavena g. grandidieri first in Ifaty Essp Alpine Swift Apus melba willsi Ranomafana Essp Madagascar (Black) Swift Apus b. balstoni fairly widespread Essp African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus gracilis widespread CUCKOO-ROLLER RE (Madagascar) Cuckoo-Roller Leptosomus discolor first in Zombitse NP HOOPOES E Madagascar Hoopoe Upupa marginata first in Tana Malagasy (Madagascar) RE Kingfisher Corythornis v. vintsioides Tana, Saha Corythornis E Madagascar Pygmy-Kingfisher madagascariensis Mantadia

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 BEE-EATERS Madagascar Bee-eater Merops superciliosus widespread ROLLERS Essp Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus g. glaucurus fairly widespread GROUND-ROLLERS E Short-legged Ground-Roller leptosomus Mantadia E Scaly Ground-Roller Brachypteracias squamiger Crazy tame at Ranomafana E Pitta-like Ground-Roller pittoides Ranomafana, Mantadia E Rufous-headed Ground-Roller Atelornis crossleyi Saha Forest Camp E Long-tailed Ground-Roller Uratelornis chimaera Ifaty Spiny Forest FALCONS RE Madagascar Kestrel Falco newtoni throughout Essp Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus radama Zombitse NP OLD WORLD PARROTS Coracopsis vasa RE Greater Vasa-Parrot v./drouhardi Ifaty, Zombitse NP RE Lesser Vasa-Parrot Coracopsis nigra n./libs Ifaty, Zombitse NP, etc. E Grey-headed Lovebird Agapornis canus Tulear etc. ASITIES E Velvet Asity castanea Ranomafana, Saha E Common Sunbird-Asity coruscans Saha Forest Camp VANGAS E Archbold's Newtonia archboldi Ifaty Spiny Forest E Newtonia brunneicauda fairly widespread E Dark Newtonia Newtonia amphichroa Saha Forest Camp E Tylas eduardi Ranomafana, Perinet E Red-tailed Vanga madagascariensis Seen Ifaty, heard throughout E Red-shouldered Vanga* Calicalicus rufocarpalis La Table (Tulear) E Hypositta corallirostris Perinet E Leptopterus chabert Ifaty, Ranomafana, Perinet E Crossley's Vanga (Babbler) Mystacornis crossleyi Perinet with much effort Cyanolanius m. Zombitse NP Ranomafana, RE (Madagascar) madagascarinus Perinet Ifaty Spiny Forest, heard in E Hook-billed Vanga Vanga curvirostris Perinet E Ward's Flycatcher Pseudobias wardi Ranomafana E Sickle-billed Vanga Falculea palliata Ifaty Spiny Forest Artamella (Leptopterus) E White-headed Vanga viridis Ranamafana E Lafresnaye's Vanga xenopirostris Ifaty Spiny Forest CUCKOO-SHRIKES RE Ashy (Mad.) Cuckoo-shrike Coracina c. cinerea Ranomafana, Perinet, Saha RE Crested Dicrurus f. forficatus throughout

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 MONARCH FLYCATCHERS RE Madagascar Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone m. mutata first in Zombitse NP CROWS, JAYS Pied Crow Corvus albus more common in west LARKS E Madagascar Lark Mirafra hova first near Ifaty SWALLOWS Essp Plain (Brown-throated) Martin Riparia paludicola cowani highlands RE Mascarene Martin Phedina borbonica throughout Hypsipetes m. RE Madagascar Bulbul madagascariensis common throughout REED WARBLERS, ALLIES RE Madagascar Brush-Warbler Nesillas t. typica fairly widespread E Subdesert Brush-Warbler Nesillas lantzi Ifaty Spiny Forest E Madagascar Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus newtoni Tana, Mantadia GRASSBIRDS, ALLIES E Brown Emu-tail Bradypterus brunneus Saha Forest Camp MALAGASY WARBLERS E White-throated Oxylabes Oxylabes madagascariensis Ranamafana E Long-billed Bernieria (Tetraka) Bernieria madagascariensis Ranamafana, Perinet E Wedge-tailed Jery (Tetraka) Hartertula flavoviridis Ranamafana (Sub-desert E Tetraka) Thamnornis chloropetoides Ifaty Spiny Forest Saha Forest Camp Crawl / E Yellow-browed Oxylabes Crossleyia xanthophrys Bushwhack E Xanthornixis zosterops Ranamafana, Perinet E Appert's Tetraka Xanthornixis apperti Zombitse NP E Grey-crowned Tetraka Xanthornixis cinereiceps Saha Forest Camp Ranamafana (likes to sing E Rand's Warbler Randia pseudozosterops side-by-side with S-t Jery! CISICOLAS, ALLIES E Neomixis tenella lives up to the name E Neomixis viridis Ranamafana E Stripe-throated Jery Neomixis striatigula most locations RE Madagascar Cisticola Cisticola cherina Ifaty Spiny Forest, Tulear WHITE-EYES RE Madagascar White-eye Zosterops maderaspatanus first in Tana OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS E Madagascar Magpie-Robin Copsychus albospecularis most locations E Forest Rock-Thrush Monticola s. sharpei Ranamafana E [Benson's Rock-Thrush] [Monticola sharpei bensoni] Isalo Restaurant in Anako after E Littoral Rock-Thrush Monticola imerina Nosy Ve visit Essp African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus sibilla Mantadia

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 STARLINGS E Madagascar Starling Saroglossa aurata Ranamafana, Perinet I Common Myna Acridotheres tristis common throughout RE Souimanga Sunbird souimanga apolis common throughout RE Madagascar (Green) Sunbird Cinnyris n. notatus first at Isalo WAGTAILS, PIPITS E Madagascar Wagtail Motacilla flaviventris first at Isalo WEAVERS, ALLIES Cool forest weaver: E nelicourvi Ranamafana, Perinet E Ploceus sakalava Ifaty Spiny Forest RE Red (Magagascar) Foudia madagascariensis common throughout E Foudia omissa Ranamafana, Saha WAXBILLS, ALLIES E Madagascar Mannikin Lonchura nana Tana, Isalo

E - Endemic Essp - Endemic subspecies BE - Breeding endemic RE - Regional endemic I – Introduced [brackets] = a taxon not split in the Clements list

This amazingly tame Scaly Ground-Roller in Ranomafana NP was one of our top bird sightings.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 LIST

Taxonomy and nomenclature for lemurs follow Conservation International’s Lemurs of Madagascar (2010) by Russell Mittermeier et al. For other mammals, taxonomy and nomenclature follow Mammals of Madagascar (2007) by Nick Garbutt.

MOUSE & DWARF LEMURS E Gray-brown Mouse Lemur Microcebus griseorufus Ifaty Spiny Forest E Gray Mouse Lemur Microcebus murinus Ifaty Spiny Forest E Rufous Mouse Lemur Microcebus rufus Ranamafana E Crossley's Dwarf Lemur Cheirogaleus crossleyi Perinet SPORTIVE LEMURS E Zombitse Sportive Lemur Lepilemur hubbardi Zombitse Forest E Petter's Sportive Lemur Lepilemur petteri Ifaty Spiny Forest TRUE LEMURS Eastern Lesser (Gray) Bamboo E Lemur Hapalemur griseus Perinet E Golden Bamboo Lemur Hapalemur aureus Ranamafana E Greater Bamboo Lemur Prolemur simus Ranamafana E Ring-tailed Lemur Lemur catta Isalo E Eulemur fulvus Perinet E Red-fronted Brown Lemur Eulemur rufus Ranamafana E Red-bellied Lemur Eulemur rubriventer Ranamafana E Black-and-white Varecia variegata Mantadia WOOLY LEMURS, SIFAKAS, INDRI E Eastern Woolly Lemur (Avahi) Avahi laniger Perinet E Verreaux’s Sifaka Propithecus verreauxi Zombitse Forest E Diademed Sifaka Propithecus edwardsi Mantadia E Milne-Edwards Sifaka Propithecus diadema Ranamafana E Indri Indri Indri Perinet, Saha (dark morph) MALAGASY CARNIVORES E Ring-tailed Vontsira (Mongoose) Galidia elegans Ranamafana E Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec Echinops telfairi Ifaty Spiny Forest AFRICAN RODENTS E Eastern Red Forest Rat Nesomys rufus Ranamafana OLD WORLD RATS, MICE I Black Rat Rattus rattus Ranamafana CEATACEANS Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris Boat trip to Nosy Ve

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 E – endemic I - introduced bold = Endemic

Female Red-bellied Lemur with a newborn baby.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 REPTILE LIST

Taxonomy and nomenclature follow A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar: Third Edition (2007) by Frank Glaw and .

CHAMAELEONIDAE E Elongate Ancient Leaf Chameleon Palleon nasus E Short-horned Chameleon brevicorne E Big Nose Chameleon E Perinet (Band-bellied) Chameleon Calumma gastrotaenia E Parson's (Giant) Chameleon Calumma parsonii E O'Shaughnessy's Chameleon Calumma oshaughnessyi E Cryptic (Blue-legged) Chameleon Calumma crypticum E Oustalet's Chameleon Furcifer oustaleti E Warty Chameleon E Malphe's Chameleon E Three-eyed madagascariensis E Merrem's Madagascar Swift cyclurus E Grandidier's Madagascar Swift E Dumeril's Madagascar Swift E Madagascar Ground Gecko Paroedura pictus E Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko Uroplatus phantasticus E Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko Uroplatus sikorae E Sakalava Mad. Velvet Gecko sakalava Common House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus Gray's Leaf-toed Gecko Hemidactylus mercatorius E Grandidier's Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus tolampyae E Dwarf Gecko sp. Lygodactylus sp. E Standing's Day Gecko standingi E Lined Day Gecko Phelsuma lineata E Thicktail Day Gecko Phelsuma mutabilis E Peacock Day Gecko Phelsuma quadriocellata E Modest Day Gecko Phelsuma modesta GERRHOSAURIDAE E Peter's Keeled Plated Lizard Tracheloptychus petersi RE Madagascar Plated Lizard madagascariensis SCINCIDAE E Gravenhorst's Skink Trachylepis gravenhorstii E Elegant Skink Trachylepis elegans E Gold-spotted Skink Trachylepis aureopunctata

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 BOIDAE E Eastern Madagascar Tree Boa Sanzinia madagascariensis E Western Madagascar Tree Boa Sanzinia volontany E Duméril's Ground Boa Acrantophis dumereli COLUBRIDAE E Giant Hognose Leioheterodon madagascariensis E Ithycyphus oursi

E - Endemic RE – Regional Endemic

Sakalava. Madagascar. Velvet. Gecko. It’s a big gecko with an even bigger name!

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 LIST

Taxonomy and nomenclature for follow A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar: Third Edition (2007) by Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences.

DICROGLOSSIDAE Mascarene Ridged Frog Ptychadena mascareniensis HYPEROLIIDAE E Reed Frog sp. Hetorixalus luteostriatus E Madagascar Bright-eyed Frog Boophis madagascariensis E Green Bright-eyed Frog Boophis viridis E White-lipped Bright-eyed Frog Boophis albilabris E Duméril's Bright-eyed Frog Boophis tephraeomystax E Marojejy Bright-eyed Frog Boophis marojezensis E Engraved Bridge Frog Gephyromantis sculpturatus E Boulenger's Bridge Frog Gephyromantis boulengeri E Tschenk's Bridge Frog Gephyromantis tschenki E Baron's Mantella Mantella baroni

E - Endemic

The eastern rainforest is Madagascar’s richest biome for amphibians.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 BUTTERFLY & MOTH LIST

MICROHYLIDAE Essp Mocker Swallowtail dardanus E Cream-lined Swallowtail Papilio delalandei Citrus Swallowtail Papilio demodocus E Banded Blue Swallowtail Papilio oribazus RE Spotted Blue Swallowtail Papilio epiphorbas E Madagascar Malachite Swallowtail Graphium cyrnus E Madagascar Lady Graphium endochus E Madagascar Giant Swallowtail Pharmacophagus antenor PIERIDAE Angled Grass Yellow Eurema desjardinsii RE Madagascar Orange Tip Colotis evanthe E Madagascar Purple Tip Colotis zoe Essp African Wood White Leptosia alcesta sylvicola E Grandidier’s Caper White Belenois grandidieri E Antsianaka Caper White Belenois antsianaka Brown-veined White Belenois aurota aurota E Madagascar Dotted Border Mylothris phileris RIONIDAE E Madagascar Metalmark Saribia sp. LYCANIDAE Common Zebra Blue Leptotes pirithous Gaika Blue Zizula hylax Hairstreak sp. Hemiolaus sp. African Monarch Danaus chrysippus aegyptius E Madagascar Satyr Strabena sp. RE Indian Ocean Satyr Heteropsis sp. E Western Madagascar Charaxes Charaxes andrefana E Banded Commodore andremiaja E Gold-striped Commodore Precis eurodoce RE Madagascar Brown Pansy Junonia goudotii Blue Pansy Junonia oenone epiclelia RE Brilliant Blue Junonia rhadama Painted Lady Vanessa cardui E Madagascar Beauty Salamis anteva Clouded Mother-of-Pearl Protogoniomorpha anacardii duprei Common Joker Byblia anvatara anvatara E Kikideli Sailer Neptis kikideli Spotted Sailer Neptis saclava

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016 E Madagascar Forest Glade Nymph Aterica rabena E Ranavalona Acraea Acraea ranavalona E Acraea sp. Acraea turna HESPERIIDAE Policeman sp. Coeliades sp. E Madagascar Sunset Moth rhipheus SATURNIIDAE E Comet Moth Argema mittrei

E – Endemic RE – Regional Endemic Essp - Endemic subspecies

An Angled Grass Yellow in Zombitse National Park, in the dry western deciduous forest.

Madagascar Custom Tour October 20-November 6, 2016