Whereas southern and western birding hotspots are rewarding all round the year, the eastern rainforest’s feathered inhabitants are more capricious. From May till mid August birds there seem to be quite furtive, it is hardly possible to hear them at all. Between late August and late December they are on the contrary conspicuously active, especially in the early morning before the daybreak. Morning rains do not deter them from cheerful chirping, so do not hesitate to visit rainforests in the rain. Masoala National Park, Perinet Reserve, Mantadia National Park and Ranomafana National Park boast the greatest number of rare birds. The most notable are Red-breasted Coua, Madagascar Serpent Eagle, Madagascar Red Owl, Wool-rail, Flufftail, Collared Nightjar, Velvet Asity, Common Sunbird Asity, Gray-crowned Greenbul, Pollen’s Vanga and many more unique birds. In general, 265 bird species find their sanctuary in Malagasy eastern rainforests, western tropical forests and southern spiny bush forests. About half of them are endemic to Madagascar. In addition to the three listed climate zones, birding itineraries also involve accessible marshes, estuaries and lakes.
Practical info
When is the best time to go birdwatching in Madagascar?
The ideal time to go birdwatching in Madagascar's eastern rainforest is between late August and late December. Birds are most active in this period and are usually spotted early in the morning, before dawn. While southern and western birding hotspots remain good spots to birdwatch year-round, the eastern rainforest's bird inhabitants are more elusive from May to mid-August. Show more
Where are the best locations for birdwatching in Madagascar?
Birdwatching in Madagascar is best done in Masoala National Park, Perinet Reserve, Mantadia National Park, and Ranomafana National Park. These locations boast rare bird species, including the Red-breasted Coua, Madagascar Serpent Eagle, Madagascar Red Owl, Wool-rail, Flufftail, Collared Nightjar, Velvet Asity, Common Sunbird Asity, Gray-crowned Greenbul, Pollen's Vanga, and other exclusive bird species. Show more
What are some of the endemic bird species in Madagascar's eastern rainforests?
Madagascar's eastern rainforests have several distinctive bird species—the Red-breasted Coua, Madagascar Serpent Eagle, Madagascar Red Owl, Wool-rail, Flufftail, Collared Nightjar, Velvet Asity, Common Sunbird Asity, Gray-crowned Greenbul, Pollen's Vanga, and other unique bird species. The Malagasy eastern rainforests, western tropical forests, and southern spiny bush forests are home to approximately 265 bird species. About half of these bird species are exclusive to Madagascar. Show more
Are there any additional locations to visit besides the listed national parks for birdwatching in Madagascar?
Some accessible marshes, estuaries, and lakes are significant birdwatching locations in Madagascar, besides the national parks already listed. Accompanying the national parks on birding itineraries, these places offer opportunities to spot various unique bird species. However, visiting the listed national parks remains the best way to view rare and exceptional bird species. Show more
What other types of landscapes are involved in birding itineraries in Madagascar besides rainforests, tropical forests, and spiny bush forests?
Birding itineraries in Madagascar also involve observing accessible marshes, estuaries, and lakes, rather than just rainforests, tropical forests, and spiny bush forests. These areas form unique landscapes to watch various bird species. Tourists can make their birdwatching experiences more varied by visiting alternative landscapes outside national parks and forests in Madagascar. Show more
