Photo: Anai171 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Sakalava Rail
Zapornia olivieri
Sakalava Rail (Zapornia olivieri) — Cranes & Rails of Africa.
The Sakalava Rail (Zapornia olivieri) is a member of the Rallidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 86.2 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Endangered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Gruiformes
- Family Rallidae Rails, Crakes & Coots
- Genus Zapornia
- Species olivieri
Quick facts
- Weight
- 86.2 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Rallidae
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
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Near Threatened
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Sakalava Rail hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Sakalava Rail is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Sakalava Rail (Zapornia olivieri) is a species of bird in the Rallidae family, part of the order Gruiformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF patchily wc Madagascar (rare).
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 86.2 g, with a wing length of about 10.2 cm and a tail of around 5.2 cm.
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 31,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Sakalava Rail?
The Sakalava Rail is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 86.2 g.
Where does the Sakalava Rail live?
The Sakalava Rail is found across Africa with a range covering AF patchily wc Madagascar (rare), where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Sakalava Rail belong to?
The Sakalava Rail (Zapornia olivieri) belongs to the Rallidae family, in the order Gruiformes.
What does the Sakalava Rail eat?
The Sakalava Rail hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Sakalava Rail migrate?
The Sakalava Rail is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Sakalava Rail endangered?
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
What sound does the Sakalava Rail make?
1 real field recording of the Sakalava 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 Sakalava Rail's range?
The Sakalava Rail has a mapped global range of about 31,000 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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