Philepitta schlegeli
The striking Schlegel's Asity is a jewel of Madagascar's humid forests, an emblematic member of the endemic asity family (Philepittidae), which represents an ancient lineage of suboscine passerines. Males are instantly recognizable with their brilliant golden-yellow plumage contrasting sharply with a glossy black head and a spectacular, iridescent turquoise-green bare eye-wattle that extends behind and above the eye. Measuring around 14-16 cm in length and weighing 25-35 grams, the male's vib...
Found primarily in the lowland evergreen rainforests and humid primary or mature secondary forests of Madagascar, typically inhabiting elevations from sea level up to around 1400 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a variety of small fruits, supplemented with insects and other invertebrates, gleaned from foliage.
Schlegel's Asity is a diurnal, generally secretive bird, often observed foraging solitarily or in small groups. Males are territorial, vocally defending their patches with simple whistling calls, particularly during the breeding season. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and small ...
Schlegel's Asity is strictly endemic to the humid forests of northwestern Madagascar. Its distribution is fragmented, primarily occurring in protected areas and relict forest patches. Key strongholds include Masoala National Park, Marojejy National Park, Tsaratanana Reserve, and the Manongarivo S...
Least Concern
- The male Schlegel's Asity possesses a stunning bare eye-wattle that is typically turquoise-green, but can change in color intensity and size during courtship to attract mates. - This species builds an extraordinary retort-shaped, pendulous nest that hangs like a flask from a branch, a marvel of...