Leptopterus chabert (Statius Muller, 1776)

Common Names & Base Coloration

Leptopterus chabert, commonly called the chabert vanga or cabaret vanga, is a bird species that only has two base colors: black and white. The bird’s head and wings are dark black, which often shows a shiny blue tint in sunlight.

Body & Tail Plumage

Its underparts, including the chin and belly, are white. Tail coloration varies by the region the bird originates from: individuals from southwestern Madagascar have a white patch at the base of the tail, while individuals from all other areas have entirely black tails.

Soft Part Coloration

The bird’s bill is light blue, and its eyes are turquoise or cobalt blue.

Juvenile Plumage

Juvenile chabert vangas resemble adults but lack blue eyes; they are also paler overall, with white streaks and white edges on their back and wing feathers. These white streaks fade as juveniles mature.

Sexual Dimorphism

There is very little physical difference between male and female chabert vangas.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to Madagascar.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

Elevation Range

It typically occurs from sea level up to 1,000 meters above sea level, and is only very rarely found at elevations higher than 1,000 meters.