ebirdAt the Au Bois Vert hotel, a lovely surprise: the Malagasy Kingfisher (Corythornis vintsioides) has made an appearance! This small, lively bird with its vibrant colors brings life and brightness to our ornithological garden, right next to Antananarivo airport in Ivato.
What does it look like?
The Malagasy Kingfisher is a small bird about 13 cm long, recognizable by its striking plumage: a deep blue back, a bright rufous chest, and a head marked with fine pale green and black stripes. It has a slender, sharply pointed black beak and vivid orange legs that catch the eye.
Its song or cry
This little bird emits a high-pitched, almost piercing call, sounding like "seek! seek!", sometimes followed during the breeding season by a more melodious courtship song, something like "li-cha-cha-chui-chui".
An anecdote or fun fact
Corythornis vintsioides digs its own burrow into a riverbank or a sandy wall. Inside, to line the nest, it uses the bones of the fish it has caught!
Where and when to see it in our garden?
You will often spot it along the small stream or near the ponds, either at dawn or in the late afternoon. It likes to perch on rocks or branches overhanging the water.
Why does he love our garden?
Our ornithological garden Au Bois Vert provides an ideal habitat for this bird: wetlands, small bodies of water rich in insects and fish, and welcoming banks. It also benefits from the tranquility of our lodge-hotel-restaurant, nestled just a stone’s throw from Antananarivo’s international airport.
Tips for observing it
To have a chance of spotting it, sit quietly near a water source. Avoid sudden movements, respect its peace, and do not use a flash – this way, you’ll be able to admire the full beauty of its blue-green iridescence.
