The masked finfoot or Asian finfoot is a highly endangered aquatic bird that was formerly distributed throughout the fresh and brackish wetlands of the eastern Indian subcontinent, Indochina, Malaysia and Indonesia. Like the rest of the family, the African finfoot and the sungrebe, the relationship to other birds is poorly understood.
Region
Eastern Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Historically found from eastern India and Bangladesh through Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sundas (notably Sumatra and Borneo). It inhabits quiet lowland wetlands including slow rivers, oxbow lakes, forested swamps, mangroves, and overgrown canals. Birds keep close to dense bankside vegetation, often under overhanging branches where they can climb or slip into cover. Nesting typically occurs over water on concealed platforms in tangles of branches or reeds. Recent records are scattered and localized due to severe habitat degradation.
Altitude Range
0–300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The masked finfoot is an exceptionally secretive waterbird with lobed toes that aid swimming, similar to grebes. It clambers among overhanging branches and reed tangles more than it flies, often vanishing into dense riparian cover. It is among the most elusive birds in Asia and is critically endangered due to extensive wetland loss and disturbance. Its presence can indicate healthy, undisturbed lowland wetland systems.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that skims low over water
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, keeping close to dense bankside cover. Breeding pairs build a concealed nest platform over or near water, anchored to branches or reeds. Both adults are thought to share incubation and chick-rearing, with young quickly taking to water and cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet, giving soft whistled notes and low clucking or grating calls from cover. Vocalizations are infrequent and most often heard at dawn or during the breeding period.
