White-throated Oxylabes

Overview

The white-throated oxylabes (Oxylabes madagascariensis) is a species of passerine bird endemic to Madagascar. It is the sole member of the genus Oxylabes and belongs to the family Bernieridae, the Malagasy warblers. The species is currently classified as Near Threatened.

Identification

• A large warbler measuring 17–18 cm in length with short wings, long legs, and a long stout bill.
• Upperparts are dark olive-brown with a rufous top and side of the head.
• Features a narrow white supercilium and a white chin and throat, contrasting with dark brown underparts.

Habitat

This bird is endemic to Madagascar, where its natural habitat consists of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Did you know?

The genus name Oxylabes is derived from the Ancient Greek oxulabēs, meaning "quick at seizing". Additionally, the species was historically confused with Bluntschli's vanga, a separate entity until genetic studies in 2013 revealed that specimens identified as that species were merely juveniles of the white-throated oxylabes in a poorly known brown plumage.