Miscellaneous behavioural observations of Malagasy birds

Madagascar possesses a unique avifauna characterized by high endemism rates at species and higher taxonomic levels, but little is known about the behaviour, diets and interspecific interactions of many species. We present a number of opportunistic observations of Malagasy birds collected during 2012–2015, including a foraging association between Hook-billed vanga Vanga curvirostris and White-breasted mesite Mesitornis variegatus, aggressive interaction between a fledgling Madagascar cuckoo Cuculus rochii and its Common jery Neomixis tenella host, records of carnivory in Green-capped coua Coua ruficeps olivaceiceps and frugivory in Lafresnaye’s vanga Xenopirostris xenopirostris, an unusual aggregation of Alpine swift Tachymarptis melba around a telecommunications tower, entrapment of Madagascar mannikin Lepidopygia nana in a spider’s web, and anti-predator behaviour (mobbing) of potentially predatory reptiles in Souimanga sunbird Nectarinia souimanga, Madagascar magpie robin Copsychus albospecularis, Madagascar paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone mutata, Common newtonia Newtonia brunneicauda and Crested drongo Dicrurus forficatus.