Red-tailed Newtonia Newtonia fanovanae

Energetic and pugnacious little vanga, far more colorful than other newtonias. The head is gray, the eye black, the back reddish, and the underparts whitish. Rare and enigmatic Madagascar endemic bird that has been recorded at a handful of sites in low and middle elevation eastern rainforest. Song is a loud series of “wheet” or “chu-wheet” notes. Very similar to female of much more common Red-tailed Vanga. Identified by its smaller size, much smaller and sharper bill, and lack of a buffy ring around the eye. Dark eye and more colorful plumage separate Red-tailed from Common and Dark Newtonias.