There are not as many bird species as in other countries in Madagascar: 285 only against 1000 in Kenya, for example.  The difference, and it is a substantial one, is that out of these 285 species, 110 are endemic. In other countries, bird fauna is often at a continental level and is identical in several countries.

In Africa, birds often live in savannahs. In Madagascar, they prefer the forests, especially the humid eastern forests, which shelter 50% of the endemic bird species, and for great gatherings, they prefer water sites. The last three months of the year are the most propitious for birdwatching, as birds are then easier to locate because of their songs.

THE MAIN SPOTS

In Antananarivo, the park of Tsarasaotra ( more than 60 species) is the first private site classified as Ramsar site in the world. Andasibe Mantadia ( 16 bird orders and 120 species) is more and more in competition with Anjozorobe ( 82 species of which 43 are endemic) which is 2h drive from the capital. To the west, Ankarafantsika is a must (58.14% endemicity rate), as well as Bemaraha. Among the other protected areas, birdwatchers enjoy the sites like Masoala ( the largest park in Madagascar), Ranomafana, Bezaha, Mahafaly, Berenty.  Not to forget Ankarana, in the north and the oldest park, the Mountain of Amber ( 75 species). 

The passionate of big gatherings can choose between several coastline sites (Ramena, Bay of Baly, Nosy Ve, estuaries of the big western rivers …), as well as the lakes like Tsimanampetsotse, Ramsar site since 1998.