Photo: Marc Athanase Parfait Œillet Des Murs (1804-1878) / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Madagascar Rail
Rallus madagascariensis
Madagascar Rail (Rallus madagascariensis) — Cranes & Rails of Africa.
The Madagascar Rail (Rallus madagascariensis) is a member of the Rallidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 114 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Gruiformes
- Family Rallidae Rails, Crakes & Coots
- Genus Rallus
- Species madagascariensis
Quick facts
- Weight
- 114 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Rallidae
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Endangered
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Madagascar Rail hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Madagascar Rail is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Madagascar Rail (Rallus madagascariensis) is a member of the Rallidae family, within the order Gruiformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF e Madagascar.
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 114 g, with a wing length of about 10.6 cm and a tail of around 4 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
The species has a mapped global range of roughly 150,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Madagascar Rail?
The Madagascar Rail is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 114 g.
Where does the Madagascar Rail live?
The Madagascar Rail is found across Africa with a range covering AF e Madagascar, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Madagascar Rail belong to?
The Madagascar Rail (Rallus madagascariensis) belongs to the Rallidae family, in the order Gruiformes.
What does the Madagascar Rail eat?
The Madagascar Rail hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Madagascar Rail migrate?
The Madagascar Rail is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Madagascar Rail endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
What sound does the Madagascar Rail make?
1 real field recording of the Madagascar Rail — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Madagascar Rail's range?
The Madagascar Rail has a mapped global range of about 150,000 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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