Red-shouldered Vanga Calicalicus rufocarpalis is recognized by Clements as a new species, range southwestern desert of Madagascar, described as a new species in 1997.

The birds on the stamp to the left, are listed by CBoS, Eliasson and me as Red-tailed Vanga Calicalicus madagascariensis. The scientific name on the stamp refers to Van Dam's Vanga, which it is not. The bird illustration on the stamp is copied from the book "Faune de Madagascar", 1973, by Milon & Randrianasolo (information from "Birds on Stamps" by Eliasson). Should the identification of the Malagasy 1986 bird be changed to Red-shouldered Vanga? Both Calacalicus species are included in Sinclair and Langrand, 1998, Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands, see image below. Quotation from the book's description of the Red-shouldered Vanga: "Can be confused only with the Red-tailed Vanga, from which the male differs in its larger size, longer tail and bill and, when seen close to, its pale (not dark) eye, which is diagnostic. Female very similar to female Red-tailed Vanga but is larger and has a reddish (not brown) shoulder and a pale (not dark) eye." Certainly the pale eyes suggest Red-shouldered Vanga, but the lack of red shoulder on the female is adversary to a change of identification. The recency of description of the Red-shouldered Vanga and its restricted distribution are also arguments for no change. If you have views about this, please contact me. Update 19.02.01: You can read about the (re-)discovery of the Red-shouldered Vanga in this African Bird Club Feature. (Information received from Chris Gibbins.)

5: 179 001 100 Red-shouldered Vanga Calicalicus rufocarpalis 6: 179 001 000 Red-tailed Vanga Calicalicus madagascariensis

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