Access to a variety of habitats in a small area makes Ifotaka Forest a very rewarding birding destination, with more than 100 species recorded here. Many waterbirds can be found on the bank of the Mandrare River. The gallery forest is home to a variety of species and the is a good place to look for several of Madagascar’s localized dry-country endemics. On night walks in this community reserve, you might see sleeping birds and nocturnal species such as the Madagascar scops owl.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- Broad-billed roller
- Chabert vanga
- Crested coua
- Giant coua
- Greater painted-snipe
- 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 kingfisher
- Madagascar paradise flycatcher
- Madagascar sandgrouse
- Madagascar scops owl
- Madagascar sparrowhawk
- Madagascar turtle dove
- Red-capped coua
- Running coua
- Sickle-billed vanga
- White-browed owl
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Ifotaka is good throughout the year, but the best time is from September to April. However, the camp is closed from January to late March. So, practically, this leaves September to December and April as the best months. Many birds tend to be silent and inactive in the dry cool season from May to August. Migratory birds are present in the wet summer months from November to April.