The African finfoot or Peter's finfoot is an aquatic bird from the family Heliornithidae. The species lives in the rivers and lakes of western, central, and southern Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across western, central, and southern Africa in slow-flowing rivers, backwaters, oxbow lakes, swamps, and forested streams. It favors stretches with dense bankside cover, submerged roots, and fallen logs for concealment. Rarely ventures onto open water and typically keeps to shaded margins. Often associated with riparian forest, wooded savanna waterways, and papyrus or reed beds.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African finfoot is a highly secretive, duck-sized aquatic bird with distinctive lobed toes that aid in stealthy swimming along shaded waterways. It prefers dense overhanging vegetation and is more often seen slipping between roots and fallen logs than flying. Its sexes differ markedly in head and neck patterning, and it is renowned for its elusive behavior, making sightings special for birders.
subspecies camerunensis, lake Mburo, Uganda
Male
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining linear territories along stretches of suitable river. Nests are placed over water in dense cover, often a platform hidden among roots or reeds. Both parents are believed to attend the nest and guard chicks, which are precocial and water-capable soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives soft whistles, clucks, and low chuckles from cover. Alarm calls include sharper notes and hisses, often heard rather than seen.
Plumage
Sleek, water-adapted plumage; dark brown upperparts with subtle mottling and cleaner underparts. Males show darker (blackish-slate) head and neck with crisp pale facial lines; females are browner with a pale throat and buffy eyebrow. Both have bright, lobed feet and a slender bill.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, larvae, snails, and crustaceans, and will also take small fish, tadpoles, and frogs. It picks prey from the water surface, from submerged vegetation, and among root tangles. Forages by swimming quietly along edges, occasionally diving or gleaning from logs and banks.
Preferred Environment
Shaded river margins, backwaters, and channels with dense overhanging vegetation, tangled roots, and fallen logs. Often stays within narrow, sheltered sections rather than open water.
