Foudia madagascariensis

Overview

This passerine is found especially in Madagascar's savanna landscapes. Breeding males turn bright red. Outside the breeding season, males resemble the streaked green-brown females, so plumage colour alone cannot identify sex year-round.

A 2005 ringing study in Madagascar compared plumage and body measurements of birds captured between October and May across 2003–2005, and 371 of 387 birds could be sexed confidently. Overlapping wing lengths limited identification outside the breeding season. Immature birds and similar forest fodies needed separate attention.

A genetic study published in 2012 (online December 2011) found that human introductions brought formerly separated Foudia lineages into contact. Mismatches between mitochondrial and nuclear data point to hybridization involving F. omissa, which remains a distinct species.

Origins & earliest records

People introduced Madagascar's species to surrounding archipelagos. The Seychelles specimen establishes a collection record, not native origin or an introduction date.

Evidence & interpretation

Ringing observations, comparative genetics and museum metadata.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Sexing Madagascar Red Fody Foudia madagascariensis in the non-breeding period

   Koenig · 2005

   Selected bibliography; ringing study, Afring News 34:14–16.

2. 02

   Hybridization and barriers to gene flow in an island bird radiation

   Warren et al. · 2012

   Selected bibliography; Evolution, first published online 22 December 2011.

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: Ranks follow the MNHN specimen catalogue.

1. OrderPasseriformes
2. FamilyPloceidae
3. SpeciesFoudia madagascariensis (Linnaeus, 1766)

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary research paperKoenig: fody ringing (2005)Research access: 2026-10-07
2. Primary research articleWarren et al.: island hybridization (2012; online2011)Research access: 2026-10-07
3. Museum specimen recordMNHN fody specimen1876-587Research access: 2026-10-07

Image credits

A red-headed Madagascar fody perched on a dry plant stem.

Madagascar fody at Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, Madagascar.