Flufftails: Mysterious Creatures on the Brink of Extinction

Imagine creatures that live as if they were shadows, blending into their surroundings, and slipping through narrow spaces in the forest. These elusive beings might softly cry out during the night or in the calm mist of a morning, only to reveal themselves as rustling leaves or swaying reeds.

Flufftails are small birds, similar to tiny chickens, known for their secretive nature. South Africa is home to four species of flufftails, each with its own unique characteristics. Interestingly, males and females of these birds look different from each other, with males having striking feather patterns around their heads and breasts, while females are plain and difficult to tell apart.

The red-chested flufftail is the most common type of flufftail. They like to live in thick reed beds and grassy areas near marshes and streams, where they can hide and stay safe.

Another type of flufftail is the buff-spotted flufftail. They are found in forests, bushes, and gardens. You can recognize them by their low, foghorn-like call that they make at night or on cloudy days. They like to perch up high to make their call.

Lastly, there is the striped flufftail. The males have bold white stripes on their black bodies and a reddish brown head. They live in higher areas like mountains and grasslands. They can stay in one place or move around a lot.

Let me tell you about the white-winged flufftail, a captivating bird that lives in marshes and vleis, where shallow water nourishes sedges and aquatic grasses. This incredible creature is not only rare but also in great danger of disappearing forever. In fact, it’s South Africa’s most threatened bird and classified as critically endangered.

Imagine this: the white-winged flufftail is a seasonal visitor to our region, making its home here between October and March. However, it doesn’t breed here; instead, it travels all the way from the Ethiopian Highlands, near the capital Addis Ababa. Although we haven’t proven this just yet, it’s believed that this is where they come from. Sadly, the latest data shows that there are now fewer than 50 white-winged flufftails left in South Africa.

When I say the word ‘flufftail,’ I want you to envision the mysterious wilderness that exists beyond our backyards. As you picture that, I also want you to consider the word ‘extinction’ and what it means for these birds.

What does the future hold for flufftails?

I have some exciting news to share with you: the white-winged flufftail has been named the 2013 BirdLife South Africa Bird of the Year! This is a big deal because these birds are incredibly rare and in danger of disappearing forever. Thankfully, Eskom is sponsoring a campaign to raise awareness about these precious creatures.

We have a lot of work to do to protect the white-winged flufftail. One of the biggest threats they face is the loss and degradation of their wetland habitats. There are many reasons for this, like mining, planting trees, erosion, and draining and filling of wetlands. Invasive plants and the construction of fences and roads also contribute to the problem.

But don’t worry, we can make a difference. By spreading the word about the white-winged flufftail and supporting efforts to protect their habitats, we can ensure these magnificent birds have a fighting chance.

The Middelpunt Wetland Trust is the powerhouse behind monitoring and conserving this specific species in South Africa. Since its establishment in 1992, they have been on the frontlines. In 2012, BirdLife South Africa took over the trust’s administration and now leads the charge to prevent the species from going extinct.

BirdLife South Africa will be involved in creating a breeding facility at Johannesburg Zoo. The goal is to study the white-winged flufftail’s biology, with the hope of recording and describing its call for the first time. This crucial research will lay the foundation for a future captive breeding program.

Here are some stunning photos by Warwick Tarboton to show you just how incredible this bird is.

Redefining the way we protect endangered species, The Middelpunt Wetland Trust and BirdLife South Africa are dedicating their efforts to the conservation of the white-winged flufftail. Together, they are making a difference for this remarkable bird.