Publications in the series 'Guides sur la diversite biologique de Madagascar' serve several important purposes: To allow the dissemination of information, particularly in this case knowledge on the Malagasy biota; To allow Malagasy researchers to participate in an international forum of information exchange and the advancement of science; As an important step in the capacity building of emerging young Malagasy biologists. In French. A complete natural history of families and subfamilies of endemic birds of Madagascar. With many color photos and illustrations.