What is Papango?

'Papango' is a name of Madagascan origin used to refer to a subspecies of black kite. It can be found on some of the islands in the Indian Ocean, on the Comoro Islands, in Madagascar and in most African countries. It also has close cousins on the Réunion Island.

A keen opportunist, it is known for its strategical seduction technique used to easily win over its target: a distinctive course, traced high in the sky, is combined with a majestic and seductive dance.

This dance was copied by Bara populations, native to the lower plateaux of South Madagascar. The traditional Papango dance is performed by a man perched high on a wooden post, miming the bird taking flight.