Madagascar Flufftail

Overview

The Madagascar flufftail (Sarothrura insularis) is a small bird species belonging to the family Sarothruridae. It is endemic to Madagascar and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small in size, measuring approximately 14 cm in length and weighing around 30 g.
• Adult males feature a chestnut rufous head, neck, and breast, with paler sides, chin, and throat; their back and stomach are black with white or yellow stripes.
• Females have dark upper parts with chestnut streaks and a barred cinnamon-buff upper tail.
• A high-pitched, loud 'kee' or 'keekee' call lasting around 20 seconds is the most common vocalisation.

Habitat

Endemic to Madagascar, this species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, shrubland, grassland, and artificial areas. It is found in wet areas in the north but is absent from Lake Sahaka in the northeast. The species occupies habitats ranging from sea level to elevations of 2,300 m, often utilising grasslands, forest edges, and marshes.

Diet

The diet consists of insects and seeds. These food items are obtained within its natural habitats, including forests, shrubland, grassland, and artificial areas.

Did you know?

Unlike many other birds, the Madagascar flufftail constructs unique domed nests that can be situated on the ground or elevated up to 160 cm above it. The species also engages in sexual vocalisations during copulation, where mates exchange an 'ii…ii…ii' sound.