Species profile
About this species
The Tetrakas, also known as the long-billed bernieria, is a small passerine bird endemic to Madagascar. It inhabits the rainforests of eastern Madagascar & is known for its distinctive long, curved bill adapted for probing bark & vegetation for insects. The species belongs to the family Bernieridae, a group of warblers unique to Madagascar.
Dense lowland & mid-altitude rainforests of eastern Madagascar, particularly areas with thick understorey vegetation & abundant leaf litter.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Tetrakas with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours between dawn & 9am during the dry season from April to October offer the best light & highest bird activity levels.
Position yourself quietly near fruiting or flowering trees where Tetrakas forage, as they are attracted to areas of insect activity. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500s to freeze movement as these birds are active & quick in dense foliage. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is recommended to maintain distance & avoid disturbing the bird while capturing sharp, detailed shots.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Tetrakas
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.