Ankarana Special Reserve’s checklist of more than 90 bird species includes a large number of Madagascar endemics. Some birds to look out for are the lesser vasa parrot, Madagascar crested ibis and Madagascar pygmy kingfisher. Blue vanga and sickle-billed vanga are just two of the many vanga species that occur in the reserve. A noteworthy phenomenon of Ankarana is that insect-eating species are quite often seen foraging together in mixed bird parties.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- Blue vanga
- Collared nightjar
- Crested coua
- Hook-billed vanga
- Humblot’s heron
- Lesser vasa parrot
- Madagascar crested ibis
- Madagascar cuckoo hawk
- Madagascar fish eagle
- Madagascar harrier hawk
- Madagascar paradise flycatcher
- Madagascar pygmy kingfisher
- Madagascar red owl
- Madagascar scops owl
- Madagascar sparrowhawk
- Madagascar squacco heron
- Sickle-billed vanga
- White-breasted mesite
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Ankarana is good throughout the year. However, many birds tend to be silent and inactive from May to August in the Dry season (which runs from May to October). The Wet season (November to April) is the best time for bird watching, but the wettest months from January to March can be difficult to travel in. So, as a compromise, the ideal time is perhaps from September to December, before the heavy rains start. Migratory birds are present in the wet summer months from November to April.