Van Dam's vanga is a species of bird in the family Vangidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
Region
Northwestern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in dry deciduous forests, especially in and around the Ankarafantsika region and other remnant lowland woodlands of the northwest. It favors mature forest with large trees, but may use degraded forest edges and riparian strips when canopy structure persists. Birds typically forage in the mid-story to canopy, working trunks and large branches. Habitat loss and fragmentation strongly limit its current distribution. It is rarely seen outside intact or semi-intact dry forest blocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Van Dam's vanga is one of Madagascar’s rarest vangas and is confined to the island’s dry deciduous forests. It uses its heavy, chisel-like bill to pry insects and larvae from bark and dead wood. Like many vangas, it is part of a remarkable Malagasy adaptive radiation, with species filling diverse feeding niches.
Van Dam's vanga in Ankarafantsika National Park
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining territories within suitable forest patches. Pairs communicate with contact calls and may perform simple duets. Nests are placed in trees, and both parents are believed to participate in care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes interspersed with harsher scolding calls. Vocalizations carry well through dry forest, aiding contact between mates.
Plumage
Bold, contrasting pattern with a smooth, clean appearance; males show sharp black-and-white contrasts while females are warmer brown above with paler underparts. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, giving a neat, uniform look on the body and wings.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and their larvae, including beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans. Uses its robust bill to probe, pry, and hammer at bark, dead wood, and crevices. Also takes spiders and other arthropods, and may occasionally consume small fruits or seeds opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks, large branches, and thicker limbs in the mid to upper canopy of dry deciduous forest. Often works along edges and semi-open woodland where dead limbs are available.
