ebirdThe Malagasy Palm Swift (Cypsiurus gracilis) constantly soars over the ornithological garden of Au Bois Vert in Ivato, just a few steps from Antananarivo International Airport. Swift and graceful, it enlivens the tranquil skies above our lodge and hotel with its light, effortless flights.
What does it look like?
The Malagasy Palm Swift is a small, streamlined bird with brown-gray plumage, long narrow wings, and a forked tail typical of swifts. Its slender body allows for fast and very agile flight. It is discreet when perched but is most impressive in flight, where it is often mistaken for a swallow.
Its song or cry
The Malagasy Palm Swift emits short, sharp calls, often heard as repeated "tssi-tsi-tsi" sounds. These calls, frequent when flying in groups, help maintain contact between individuals. Their intensity varies with activity, peaking at dawn and late in the day when the birds are most active.
An anecdote or fun fact
Unlike most birds, the Malagasy Palm Swift spends almost its entire life in flight. It eats, drinks, sleeps, and mates in the air! Its extreme adaptation to flying makes it an endurance champion, perfectly suited to the wide open skies of Antananarivo.
Where and when to see it in our garden?
Observe it especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it skims the canopy of the ornithological garden at the Au Bois Vert hotel. It particularly favors open spaces near the lodge, around the restaurant, or close to the water feature near the hotel.
Why does he love our garden?
The Malagasy Palm Swift enjoys the wide open spaces of Ivato and the tree-lined surroundings of the garden. The many insects attracted by the local plants and the area's humidity provide an ideal food source. The tranquility of the Au Bois Vert estate also ensures it a peaceful environment.
Tips for observing it
Look up: this is not a bird you’ll often see perched! Equip yourself with binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens. Watch the clear skies around the lodge or above our ornithological garden. Its lightning-fast speed makes each sighting fleeting but unforgettable.
