Bernier's vanga is a bird species in the family Vangidae. It is in the monotypic genus Oriolia. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Eastern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Found in humid evergreen lowland forests along Madagascar’s northeastern and eastern belt. It favors intact forest with dense foliage and complex vertical structure, using tangles, lianas, and leaf clusters for foraging. The species can occur in lightly degraded or secondary forest but declines sharply where canopy continuity is broken. It is mostly a forest interior bird and avoids open agricultural lands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bernier's vanga is the sole member of the genus Oriolia and is endemic to Madagascar’s humid lowland forests. It forages methodically in the midstory, often probing clusters of dead leaves and twigs for hidden insects, and may accompany mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss from deforestation is the primary threat. Protecting lowland evergreen forest tracts in northeastern Madagascar is crucial for its persistence.
Temperament
shy and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups within the forest midstory. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Nesting is presumed to involve a cup nest placed in dense foliage, with breeding during the austral spring to summer.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of soft, fluty whistles and mellow phrases delivered from shaded perches. Calls include thin, slightly nasal notes and short scolds when alarmed.
