The red-chested flufftail is a species of bird in the family Sarothruridae. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa from Liberia to Ethiopia and south to South Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa across the Congo Basin and East Africa to southern Africa, wherever suitable wetlands persist. Prefers dense, grassy or sedgy marshes, seasonally flooded meadows, papyrus and reed margins, and overgrown vleis. It keeps to thick cover and edges rather than open water. Populations can shift locally with rainfall and flooding, tracking fresh growth and invertebrate abundance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Red-chested flufftails are elusive, rail-like birds that skulk through dense marsh and sedge cover, rarely venturing into the open. Males have striking rufous underparts and give far-carrying, repetitive hoots, especially at dawn and dusk. They often respond to calls but are more often heard than seen. Like other flufftails, they cock and fluff their short tails during displays.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant to fly
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within marsh vegetation. Nests are well-concealed bowls of grasses and sedges placed above damp ground or shallow water. Likely monogamous; both sexes guard the nest, and the male’s advertising calls dominate at dawn and dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, repetitive hoots or toots, often single-noted and evenly spaced, carrying far in still conditions. Also gives soft clicks and whistles from cover, with increased vocal activity at dawn, dusk, and after rain.
