Buff-spotted Flufftail

Overview

The buff-spotted flufftail, also known as the buff-spotted crake, is a small bird in the family Sarothruridae native to Africa. It is widespread and locally common, currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Males feature an orange head, neck, and breast, contrasted with a sooty-black body covered in buff or white spots.
• Females are predominantly brownish, barred and spotted with black and buff.
• Adults measure 15–17 cm in length with a wingspan of 25–28 cm and an average weight of 46 g.
• The species rarely flies and forages through leaf litter.

Habitat

This bird inhabits many types of forested areas across Africa. It is a widespread species that is locally common throughout its range.

Diet

The buff-spotted flufftail has a semi-omnivorous diet consisting of various invertebrates, as well as grass and tree seeds, which help grind other foods. It primarily forages through leaf litter and drinks water daily, sometimes multiple times a day.

Did you know?

Males build the ground nest using grass, dead leaves, and other plant material over two to three days. Once chicks reach independence at 19–21 days old, they are actively driven off by their parents.