ANTANANARIVO & LAKE ALAROBIA
MADAGASCAR
state (town), (W)
18o55´S/47o31´E N/A 587,041 square km, 2,876 m (Mount Maromokotro), Antananarivo (1,310m) mainly plateau
August to December ()
Birding Site Guide
The capital Antananarivo is located E of the centre of the island on a plateau. This elevation gives the city a pleasant climate.
The scarce Madagascar Harrier is not reliably anywhere but can be found on the outskirts of Antananarivo (or Tana as it is often simply called). Over farmland such species as Madagascar Kestrel and Madagascar Buzzard may be found as well as Madagascar Cisticola in scrub. The harrier site overlooks a valley which can be reached by bus.
Within Antananarivo lies an excellent wetland; Lake Alarobia where vast numbers of duck and other water birds can be found, including the only known breeding sites for Madagascar Pond Heron. The similar Squacco Heron is much more numerous. There is sometimes the odd African Openbill Stork too. The harrier may also sometimes be found here.
An excellent report and tour operator to try is Rockjumper Tours:
ROCKJUMPER MADAGASCAR BIRD REPORT 2008
ROCKJUMPER MADAGASCAR BIRD REPORT 2007
For lists of all the endemics look here. MADAGASCAR LIVING NATIONAL TREASURES
LEMURS CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Author: BSG
www.birdingsiteguide.com