Region

Madagascar

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily in freshwater marshes, reedbeds, and the vegetated margins of lakes and slow rivers. It favors dense emergent vegetation such as reeds and papyrus where it can forage along muddy edges under cover. The species also uses flooded grasslands and rice paddies when suitable cover is present. It is largely absent from arid western habitats and relies on wetlands of the eastern lowlands and central plateau. Seasonal water-level changes can shift local occurrence within wetland complexes.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

secretive and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; reluctant to fly

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs, keeping to thick cover. Pairs are likely monogamous during the breeding season, nesting low in dense reeds near water. The nest is a concealed cup or platform of grasses; chicks are precocial and follow parents soon after hatching.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include harsh squeals, grunts, and a repetitive kek-kek series, often delivered at dawn and dusk. Calls carry through dense marsh vegetation and help pairs maintain contact.

Diet

Forages for aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates such as insects, snails, and worms. It also takes small amphibians and occasionally small fish. Plant matter, including seeds and grains from marsh plants and rice, supplements the diet, especially when animal prey is scarce.

Preferred Environment

Feeds along muddy margins and within dense reeds and papyrus, probing and gleaning under cover. It frequently works along shallow water edges and will use rice paddies and flooded fields when undisturbed.