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Overview
Short-legged ground roller

Short-legged ground roller

Wikipedia

The short-legged ground roller is a species of bird in the ground roller family Brachypteraciidae. It is the only living species in the genus Brachypteracias and is endemic to Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss.

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Distribution

Region

Eastern Madagascar

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily in the eastern humid forest belt of Madagascar, from lowland to mid-elevation rainforest. It favors primary and mature secondary evergreen forest with dense understory and abundant leaf litter. Birds are often found along shaded ravines, near streams, and in areas with fallen logs and vine tangles. It avoids open areas and heavily degraded forest. Key strongholds include protected areas such as Masoala, Marojejy, Andasibe-Mantadia, and Ranomafana National Parks.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size29–35 cm
Wing Span40–45 cm
Male Weight0.17 kg
Female Weight0.16 kg
Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This secretive forest bird is the only living species in the genus Brachypteracias and is endemic to Madagascar’s humid forests. It spends much of its time motionless on low perches or on the forest floor, where its cryptic barring blends perfectly with leaf litter. Its deep, booming hoots carry at dawn and dusk, often revealing its presence before it is seen. Ongoing loss and fragmentation of rainforest are its principal threats.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
The throat of this species is puffy

The throat of this species is puffy

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights between perches

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense forest. It spends long periods perched quietly at low heights before dropping to the ground to forage. Breeding pairs are monogamous during the season and nest within forest interior, using concealed cavities such as hollows in trees or rotten trunks. Parental care is shared, with both adults tending the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizes with deep, resonant hoots delivered in slow sequences, most often at dawn and dusk. Calls can carry far through the forest and often precede any visual detection. Soft grunts and clucks are given at close range during pair interactions.

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