The Dusky Tetraka - Crossleyia tenebrosa rediscovered by our team in 2024
OUR REDISCOVERY STORY
Late in 2024, our team undertook two expeditions in the northeastern forests of Madagascar in pursuit of rediscovering the Dusky Tetraka (Crossleyia tenebrosa).
After days of trekking through the dense jungle, braving persistent rains in an extremely remote area, we succeeded in spotting this elusive bird—ranked among the top 10 most-wanted birds in the world.
Our mission was focused entirely on observing the bird in its natural environment rather than attempting to capture or handle it. We dedicated ourselves to studying its behaviors, including movement patterns, habitat preferences, and daily habits, within the limited time available.
During our first expedition, we were able to document its movements, calls, and habitat but could not capture clear photographs. This small bird, with its dark plumage, is exceptionally swift and thrives in the deepest, shadowy parts of the forest, making observation both challenging and exhausting. Remarkably, it often forages close to the ground or even within subterranean cavities, akin to the behavior of ground rollers. We found its territory along steep slopes near fast-flowing torrents, approximately 800 meters above sea level, amidst lush and dense tropical vegetation.
We spotted three individuals, which we identified as two adults and one juvenile. One adult, carrying an insect in its beak, indicated the possible proximity of a nest, though we were unable to locate it. We noted two distinct vocalizations: one, likely from the adult, and the other, presumably from the juvenile. The juvenile’s call closely resembled the adult’s but was slightly shorter.
During our second expedition, we managed to take photos, though the results were not entirely satisfactory. Our priority remained observing the birds in their natural behavior and habitat, minimizing any disturbance to their environment nor capturing with mist net.
In December 2023 and early 2024, this enigmatic songbird as rediscovered by the team from Peregrine Fund for the first time during the past 24 years. Their mission has inspired our team to undertake our own.
The Dusky Tetraka’s cryptic behavior and exceptional camouflage make it one of the most challenging birds to locate. It is a notably silent species, vocalizing only during specific times of the day.
We were able to record a brief video of the Dusky Tetraka, which we are eager to share.
The memory of our first encounter with this bird in the dimly lit forest remains vivid. Even though the sighting lasted no more than two seconds, it left an indelible impression. The experience was epic, awe-inspiring, and deeply rewarding, surrounded only by the sounds of rushing water and distant birdsong.
The Dusky Tetraka’s striking yellow throat stands out brilliantly in the darkness; without this vibrant feature, detecting the bird would be more difficult. Its vocalizations are equally distinctive and unforgettable, lingering in our minds long after the expedition, even echoing in dreams.
Interestingly, we observed that these birds can silently watch you for extended periods without revealing themselves. It is often only when they vocalize that you realize their presence—by then, they may already be taking flight.
Let’s Talk About Conservation
How many of us have had the rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in a real, primary forest—experiencing it as the local community does in their daily lives?
Arriving there as a guest, you may initially feel like an intruder, uncomfortable in the unfamiliarity. But as you let go and embrace the simplicity of nature—its raw, fundamental essence—you begin to connect with the environment on a deeper level. You start to understand the rhythm of nature, guided by the sounds of birds, frogs, insects, and other animals. It’s fascinating how the smallest creatures often seem the most active. Each has its own time to sing, fly, forage, or rest. Some start their calls while others fall silent, and some announce their presence solely through their sounds. By late night, almost all activity ceases as the forest rests.
Light, wind, water, and rain are the cornerstones of this intricate wildlife community.
In the sunlight, you’ll witness an extraordinary variety of butterflies, bees beginning their work at dawn, and nocturnal creatures emerging at dusk. Their coordination, their joy, their roles—all serve as a testament to their harmony with nature. They demand nothing from us but the chance to exist and survive.
These innocent creatures don’t need us; it is we who need them for the natural balance that the Creator so perfectly designed.
Yet, local communities are often blamed for the destruction of these natural environments. While this is partly true, it is also true that they are the immediate guardians of these habitats and wildlife. Education plays a crucial role in helping them better understand why and how to preserve these ecosystems.
That being said, the habitat of the Dusky Tetraka is highly endangered and under severe threat, as is the bird itself. Human pressure on the forest is immense. We have made efforts to take immediate action and collaborate with the local community as much as possible, but the collective actions of all of us—on a larger scale—will ultimately be the most effective and impactful.
