Range Description

This species survives in low numbers along the west coast of Madagascar. Surveys during 1991-1995 recorded at least 222 adults and 99 breeding pairs from 105 sites, apparently concentrated into three main regions: the Antsalova region west of Bemaraha Reserve, along the Tsiribihina River, and the coast from Mahajamba Bay to the island of Nosy Hara⁵. Although this estimate is twice of an estimate from the period 1980-1985 it is probably due to more comprehensive surveying, and a decline in some areas was still recorded⁵. Recent surveys suggest that the Antsalova district is the main stronghold, with 12 pairs in the Manambolomaty complex and a further 15 pairs elsewhere in the district in 2008¹³, and the population is currently thought to comprise c.120 breeding pairs¹⁶. Immature birds wander widely, making the non-breeding population difficult to assess^3,5.