Though it is small in size, Nosy Komba hosts a relatively large number of bird species. Bird walks form an integral part of our forest conservation volunteer projects and a typical bird survey here takes place between 6:30 and 10:00 am, covering a range of habitats from coastal to plantation to forest. Some bird species (such as the Souimanga Sunbird and the Crested Drongo) are commonly seen all over the island. Other species (such as the Chabert’s Vanga) are more elusive whilst some, the Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher included, are rarely seen at all.
Our long term study of the bird populations on Nosy Komba has found some notable features of the bird species composition on the island. The Madagascar (Olive) Bee-eater is found here only over the dry season as it migrates south to breed over the summer months. To contrast, there is a notable decline in sightings of the Madagascan Red Fody (usually a highly conspicuous bird) once the breeding season ends.
Recently the first white morph male Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher was spotted on the island. The occurrence of the two colour morphs will now be monitored by our forest conservation volunteer team.
The early starts are well worth it when we catch a glimpse of some of the more spectacular birds on the island. A highlight of most bird walks involves a visit to one of the beach survey sites, where a Madagascan Kingfisher is regularly found perched on rocks.
