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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Sexually dimorphic. Males are contrasting with dark to blackish upperparts and clean white underparts; females are browner above with warmer buff to whitish underparts. Both sexes show a robust, strongly hooked bill and fairly plain grey legs.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It uses its hooked bill to pry bark, probe crevices, and crush prey. It occasionally takes small vertebrates like geckos or frogs and may rarely sample fruit or other soft plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks, larger branches, and sturdy vines from understory to mid-canopy. Frequently works along forest edges, gaps, and secondary growth where prey is abundant.
