The Comoros blue vanga or Comoro blue vanga is a bird species in the family Vangidae. It is found in the Comoros, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Comoros Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical forests on the Comoros, using both moist lowland forest and drier woodland. It frequents primary and secondary growth, forest edges, and sometimes wooded plantations where tall trees remain. The species typically forages in the midstory and canopy, moving methodically along branches. It will tolerate some habitat degradation but is most numerous in larger, connected forest tracts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking vanga is endemic to the Comoros and was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Madagascar blue vanga. Males are a vivid azure-blue with a bold black facial mask, while females are duller. It forages actively in the canopy, often gleaning insects from leaves and branches. Ongoing habitat loss in the Comoros makes intact lowland and mid-elevation forests especially important for the species.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between trees
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season. Nests are placed in trees, where both sexes likely share nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, high-pitched whistles and thin, squeaky notes, often delivered from the canopy. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used while foraging.
Plumage
Smooth, glossy blue upperparts with contrasting pale underparts; males show a sharper contrast and cleaner tones, females are duller and slightly greener-blue above with buffier underparts.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans, as well as spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bark, and may make short sallies to snatch flying insects. Occasional small invertebrates are also taken.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the midstory to canopy of forests and wooded edges, where dense foliage supports abundant arthropods. It also uses semi-natural habitats with tall trees and connected canopy.
