2 GROUND-ROLLERS OF MADAGASCAR

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Last month, I was in Madagascar and did 2 days of forest birding. Madagascar has many endemic bird species, but due to its isolation from Africa and the rest of the world, Madagascar has entire families of bird species that are endemic.

One such endemic family is the Ground-Roller family with 5 species. I was able to capture 2 of these species, which run very fast on the forest floor. Fortunately, I had superb birdguides who did an excellent job of "guiding" the Ground-Rollers to my position where I waited patiently.

Taken in Mantadia National Forest, Madagascar on 9/26/13.
Canon 1DX camera, 600 mm lens, tripod.

SCALY GROUND-ROLLER (Geobiastes squamiger)
The Scaly Ground-Roller is listed as vulnerable due to forest habitat loss. Its beautiful plumage makes excellent camouflage.

F/4, ISO-3200, 1/100 second.


F/4, ISO-3200, 1/40 second. A twig has been cloned out.

PITTA-LIKE GROUND-ROLLER (Atelornis pittoides)
It is much easier to photograph than the very shy and elusive Scaly Ground-Roller, but it still required some chasing on the forest floor.

F/6.3, ISO-1600, 1/30 second.


F/4, ISO-1600, 1/160 second.

Here are 2 videos of the Pitta-Like Ground-Roller (the calls you hear are from a Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo):

s1193.photobucket.com/user/Ramonquis/media/BP8P1023_zps164582c0.mp4.html?sort=3&o=0

s1193.photobucket.com/user/Ramonquis/media/BP8P0999_zpsb70e30c1.mp4.html?sort=3&o=0

[Ely Teehankee]

The Scaly Ground Roller looks very much like the scaly thrush only more colorful. The Pitta-Like Ground-Roller does look like a Pitta and what a colorful combination. These two birds are prize catches and really worth the effort in photographing them. You & your 600 is a good combination. Well done Ramon & Mabuhay.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Ely.