Buff-spotted Flufftail

About the Buff-spotted Flufftail

The buff-spotted flufftail (Sarothrura elegans), also known as the buff-spotted crake, is a species of bird in the family Sarothruridae. The male has an orange head, neck, and breast, with a sooty-black body covered in buff or white spots. The female is mostly brownish, barred and spotted with black and buff. In general size, this bird measures 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length and has a wingspan of 25–28 cm (9.8–11.0 in). It weighs about 46 g (1.6 oz) on average.

Subspecies S. e. reichenovi is smaller than the nominate, and the males are darker above and have larger spots. S. e. elegans is the nominate subspecies. The buff-spotted flufftail inhabits many types of forested areas in Africa.

Its diet is semi-omnivorous, consisting of various invertebrates as well as grass and tree seeds, which are thought to aid it in grinding other foods. It mainly forages through leaf litter. They will drink water daily, sometimes several times a day. It rarely flies.

The buff-spotted flufftail is monogamous and territorial, and maintains pair bonds through the breeding season, which varies significantly by location. Its nest is on the ground and is well covered by plants... Wikipedia →