Hook-billed vanga

The hook-billed vanga is a species of bird in the family Vangidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

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Distribution

Region

Madagascar

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across Madagascar in dry deciduous forest, humid evergreen lowland forest, and montane forest. It uses forest interiors as well as edges and secondary growth, often following trunks and thicker limbs while searching for prey. The species tolerates moderately degraded habitats provided some mature trees and understory structure remain. It is absent from open habitats far from woodland.

Altitude Range

0–1600 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size22–26 cm

Wing Span30–36 cm

Male Weight0.07 kg

Female Weight0.06 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The hook-billed vanga is a versatile Malagasy forest bird with a powerful, downcurved bill used to pry bark and extract hidden prey. It forages methodically along trunks and branches and will occasionally take small vertebrates. Pairs or small family groups are often heard before they are seen, giving sharp calls in dense foliage. Its adaptability to both dry and moist forests helps it remain relatively common where forest cover persists.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

alert and methodical, often shy in dense cover

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between perches

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks. Nests are typically placed in trees; both sexes participate in territory defense and care. Breeding territories are defended with displays and loud calls.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include sharp chacks and harsher scolding notes, interspersed with short whistles. The song is a brief series of clear, slightly descending whistles followed by grating notes, delivered from mid-canopy perches.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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