ebirdPeregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) – This formidable aerial hunter performs spectacular acrobatics in the sky above the ornithological garden of the Au Bois Vert hotel–restaurant in Ivato, just steps from the airport.
What does it look like?
The Peregrine Falcon has a dark blue-gray back and a light chest marked with fine streaks. A black mask around its eyes highlights its piercing gaze. It measures about 40 cm, with long tapered wings and a narrow tail, built for speed.
Its song or cry
Its typical call is a rapid, sharp, and repeated "kek-kek-kek," made in flight or from a perch. It is mostly heard early in the morning or at dusk, during its patrols over Antananarivo International Airport.
An anecdote or fun fact
The Peregrine Falcon holds the speed record among animals: in a dive, it can reach over 300 km/h. This bird is a true flying machine!
Where and when to see it in our garden?
The Peregrine Falcon can be observed in the ornithological garden of the Au Bois Vert hotel, in the morning and late afternoon, especially near the observation platforms installed in the lodge.
Why does he love our garden?
The Peregrine Falcon comes to hunt around the lodge, attracted by pigeons and small birds that gather near the outdoor meals. The proximity of Antananarivo International Airport also provides an ideal air corridor for its fast flights.
Tips for observing it
Choose a calm morning and settle quietly near the lodge. Bring a good pair of binoculars to spot its silhouette in flight, often visible just before it lets out its piercing call. If you’re a photographer, be patient: its lightning-fast dives are well worth the long waits behind the lens.
