The nuthatch vanga, also known as the coral-billed nuthatch-vanga and formerly as the coral-billed nuthatch, is a species of bird in the family Vangidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
Region
Eastern Madagascar rainforests
Typical Environment
Found along the humid eastern escarpment of Madagascar in primary and well-structured secondary evergreen forest. It frequents the mid to upper levels of the forest, foraging on trunks and large limbs where it probes and prises prey from bark crevices. The species tolerates some forest degradation but is most common in intact canopy forest. It also occurs in coastal and lowland rainforest patches and sometimes at forest edges.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The nuthatch vanga is a bark-gleaning specialist that behaves much like true nuthatches, creeping along trunks and branches and sometimes moving head-first down the bark. Its striking coral-red bill is unique among Madagascar’s forest birds and is an excellent field mark. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the eastern rainforests.
Temperament
active and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs maintain territories during the breeding season and remain in contact with soft calls. Breeding is in the rainy season, and pairs are attentive, moving methodically over bark while feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaks, often delivered in short bursts. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, used frequently while foraging and when moving with mixed flocks.
