With more than 100 species recorded in a small area, Berenty Private Reserve is a very rewarding birding destination. Many waterbirds can be found along the banks of the Mandrare River, while the is a great spot to look for some of the dry-country specials. Night outings are useful to look for owls, such as the Madagascar scops owl, white-browed owl and Torotoroka scops owl. The elusive Madagascar cuckoo hawk also can be seen in the area.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- Broad-billed roller
- Chabert vanga
- Crested coua
- Giant coua
- Grey emu-tail
- Grey-headed lovebird
- Hook-billed vanga
- Humblot’s heron
- Madagascar buttonquail
- Madagascar coucal
- Madagascar cuckoo
- Madagascar cuckoo hawk
- Madagascar green pigeon
- Madagascar paradise flycatcher
- Madagascar sandgrouse
- Madagascar scops owl
- Madagascar sparrowhawk
- Madagascar turtle dove
- Red-capped coua
- Running coua
- Sickle-billed vanga
- Torotoroka scops owl
- White-browed owl
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Berenty is excellent throughout the year, but the best time is from September to April. This is because many birds tend to be quieter and less active in the dry cool months from May to August. Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present in the wet summer months from November to April.