Short-legged Ground-Roller
NameShort-legged Ground-Roller
Common NameShort-legged Ground-Roller
Scientific NameBrachypteracias leptosomus
FamilyBrachypteraciidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)160
Plumage DetailsThe upperparts are dark brown, contrasting with a prominent white supercilium and a dark eye-stripe. The head and neck are spotted with white, and the underparts are heavily barred with white and dark brown or black. It has a buffy throat and a relatively short tail.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations consist of a series of soft, low-pitched hooting notes, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'coo-coo-coo', typically given from the forest floor.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the humid evergreen forests of eastern Madagascar.
Identifying FeaturesWhite supercilium, Dark eye-stripe, Spotted head and neck, Heavily barred underparts, Terrestrial foraging behavior
Description
This medium-sized, terrestrial bird is endemic to the humid evergreen forests of eastern Madagascar. It is known for its cryptic plumage, allowing it to blend into the forest undergrowth where it primarily forages for invertebrates.
