Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 250 - 999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and degradation through conversion of wetlands to rice cultivation, burning of wetlands by farmers, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Extremely shy.
Food
Crustaceans and invertebrates found on top of the floating vegetation.
Sakalava Rail (Zapornia olivieri) [XC177238]
by Rapha\u00ebl Jordan from Mitsinjo, Mahajanga, Madagascar (alarm call, call)
Sakalava Rail (Zapornia olivieri) [XC296790]
by Ross Gallardy from Lake Kinkony, Mitsinjo, Mahajanga, Madagascar (alarm call)
Subspecies
Has close affinities with Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostra), with which forms superspecies.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
From all other Malagasy rails by yellow bill, lack of white on undertail, and dark chestnut mantle, Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) by small size, lack of white on flanks and red legs, and from Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni) by lack of blueish body coloration.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet