Madagascar’s lush rainforests are home to a charming feathered friend known as the Velvet Asity, or Philepitta schlegeli.
The Velvet Asity boasts striking and vibrant feathers, with a lush green head and back complementing its black velvety body. The male of the species also sports a bright yellow spot on its neck. Using its stout beak, this bird is able to feast on insects with ease.
The distinctive and potent whistles and trills that create the Velvet Asity’s sound are widely known. This bird can be observed perched on branches or flying over the forest treetops, and it is often seen in pairs or small gatherings.
The Velvet Asity has been classified as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN due to the destruction of its habitat caused by farming practices such as logging and slash-and-burn farming. In order to protect the remaining rainforest habitats in Madagascar and preserve the unique species living there, conservation efforts are being implemented.
