Crossley's vanga, also known as Crossley's babbler-vanga, Crossley's babbler, Madagascar groundhunter, or Madagascar groundjumper, is a bird species in the family Vangidae. It is named after the specimen collector Alfred Crossley.
Region
Eastern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs along the eastern escarpment of Madagascar in primary and well-developed secondary humid forests. It favors dense, shaded understory with abundant leaf litter, tangled vines, and bamboo thickets, often near streams and ravines. The species spends much time on or near the ground, moving through low vegetation and along the forest floor. It can persist in moderately degraded forest if sufficient understory cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Crossley’s babbler-vanga, this species is a terrestrial, understory specialist of Madagascar’s eastern rainforests and is one of the most ground-oriented vangas. It was long grouped with babblers before genetic work placed it firmly in the Vangidae. Its bold whitish moustachial stripe and rufous tail are distinctive in the dim forest floor light.
Details of morphology
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping to dense understory. Pairs defend small territories and likely form monogamous bonds during the breeding season. Nests are placed low in vegetation, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles delivered from low perches, often repeated and slightly descending. Calls include sharp ticks and soft chatter used for contact within pairs in dense cover.
