Madagascar Forest Rail
Mentocrex kioloides
Madagascar Forest Rail (Mentocrex kioloides) — Cranes & Rails of Africa.
The Madagascar Forest Rail (Mentocrex kioloides) is a member of the Sarothruridae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 246 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Gruiformes
- Family Sarothruridae Flufftails & Forest Rails
- Genus Mentocrex
- Species kioloides
Quick facts
- Weight
- 246 g
- Diet
- Omnivores
- Family
- Sarothruridae
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Madagascar Forest Rail is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Madagascar Forest Rail is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Madagascar Forest Rail (Mentocrex kioloides) is a species of bird in the Sarothruridae family, part of the order Gruiformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF nw, e Madagascar.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 246 g, with a wing length of about 12.2 cm and a tail of around 4.6 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 39,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Madagascar Forest Rail?
The Madagascar Forest Rail is a large bird that weighs around 246 g.
Where does the Madagascar Forest Rail live?
The Madagascar Forest Rail is found across Africa with a range covering AF nw, e Madagascar, where it favours woodland, forest and well-treed country.
What family does the Madagascar Forest Rail belong to?
The Madagascar Forest Rail (Mentocrex kioloides) belongs to the Sarothruridae family, in the order Gruiformes.
What does the Madagascar Forest Rail eat?
The Madagascar Forest Rail is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Does the Madagascar Forest Rail migrate?
The Madagascar Forest Rail is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Madagascar Forest Rail endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Madagascar Forest Rail make?
1 real field recording of the Madagascar Forest Rail — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Madagascar Forest Rail's range?
The Madagascar Forest Rail has a mapped global range of about 39,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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