Common Newtonia Newtonia brunneicauda Scientific name definitions

The newtonias are four species of small insectivorous birds, endemic to Madagascar. All species in the genus are generally warbler-like in appearance and behavior, and indeed until recently they were classified in the family Sylviidae, which included many groups of Old World warblers. Genetic evidence reveals, however, that newtonias are members of the vanga family (Vangidae), of which they are the smallest-bodied species. Common Newtonia is the most widespread species and occupies forests throughout Madagascar, from sea level up to ca 2300 m; it occurs in a wide variety of forest types as well, from humid evergreen forest to spiny desert, but only in or near primary forests. Common Newtonia overlaps with all three of the other species in the genus. Newtonias are frequent members of mixed species flocks, foraging with a variety of other small insectivores, such as jeries (Neomixis), and typically capture prey with gleans. Common Newtonia is grayish brown above, and pale buff below, with a strikingly pale iris.