Asities
Asities
Philepittidae
The Rainforest’s Hidden Treasures: Asities (family Philepittidae) are among Madagascar’s most unique and overlooked birds. Small, elusive, and found only on this island, these feathered gems inhabit dense rainforests, where they thrive in the shadows of ancient trees. While their plumage might not be as flamboyant as some of their tropical relatives, what truly sets them apart is their striking, almost otherworldly facial skin—often a vivid blue, green, or yellow, giving them a surreal, jewel-like appearance. The Velvet Asity (Philepitta castanea) is a prime example. Males are deep black with an iridescent sheen and bright turquoise facial wattles, making them look almost unreal as they move through the understory. Then there's the Schlegel’s Asity (Philepitta schlegeli), whose brilliant yellow plumage and sky-blue facial skin make it one of the most stunning birds in Madagascar’s forests. Despite their small size, asities play a big role in the ecosystem. They are important pollinators, feeding on nectar from rainforest flowers with their curved beaks, much like sunbirds or hummingbirds. In doing so, they help maintain the delicate balance of their environment, ensuring the survival of the very forests they call home. Often hard to find and rarely seen by casual visitors, asities remain one of Madagascar’s best-kept avian secrets. But for those who venture into the island’s rainforests, catching a glimpse of their electric-blue faces flashing through the foliage is an unforgettable reward.