Striped flufftail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Striped flufftail |
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| S. affinis affinis | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sarothrura
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| Species: |
affinis
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The striped flufftail (Sarothrura affinis) is a small, shy bird. It belongs to the flufftail family. This bird is also sometimes called the red-tailed flufftail. It is a close relative of the Madagascar flufftail.
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About the Striped Flufftail
The striped flufftail lives in different parts of southeastern Africa. It has two main types, called subspecies. These types are found in separate areas.
Where Do They Live?
One type, S. a. affinis, lives in eastern South Africa and Eswatini. The other type, S. a. antonii, is named after a German bird expert, Anton Reichenow. This type is found in eastern Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, southern Tanzania, Kenya, and southern South Sudan.
The striped flufftail can live in many different places. It is found from sea level in South Africa up to very high mountains in Kenya, as high as 3,700 m (12,100 ft). These birds usually live in grassy areas, often near water. They need good plant cover to hide, but also some clear ground to move around. In South Africa, at lower places, they can be found in a type of plant area called fynbos.
What Do They Look Like?
The striped flufftail is a small bird, like a tiny rail. It is about 14 to 15 cm (5.5–5.9 in) long. Its wingspan is about 23 to 24 cm (9.1–9.4 in).
Male Striped Flufftail
Male striped flufftails weigh between 25–30 g (0.88–1.06 oz). They have a reddish-brown head and a white throat. Their body is black with white stripes and a yellowish tint.
Female Striped Flufftail
Female striped flufftails are brown. They have lighter stripes and a pale belly. We don't have much information about how much female birds weigh.
Differences in Subspecies
The S. a. antonii type is a bit different from the S. a. affinis type. The S. a. antonii has the reddish-brown color from its head extending down to its chest. It is also a larger bird overall.
What Do They Eat?
The striped flufftail eats many different kinds of insects. These include beetles, caterpillars, ants, termites, flies, crickets, and other bugs. They also eat spiders and seeds. These birds usually look for food in open areas on the ground.
Life Cycle
Striped flufftails breed during the local rainy season. A pair of birds will keep a territory all year round. This territory includes a smaller area for breeding and a larger area where they live and find food. Their nest is like a small bowl made of dry grass. They build it inside a clump of grass.
