Sarothrura rufa
Records: 110
Drafted by: Faansie Peacock
Draft Text Last Updated: 14 June 2005
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Distribution: There were records from 18 localities. As with most other members of the Rallidae family, this species is extremely secretive and will be widely overlooked if the distinctive advertisement / territorial calls are not familiar. Of the 110 records, 86 (=78%) were heard only. Regarding the 24 sight records, several observers commented that this species was specifically targeted during their outing. This usually involves calling territorial birds into view with a tape recording of their calls. They are occasionally flushed by a disturbance (including mongoose, dogs, cattle and birdwatchers), presenting a brief view before dropping back into cover. Quiet, extended vigilance may result in a sighting of a feeding bird or one running over a footpath.
Gaps in Knowledge: Numerical comparisons between wet years and dry years would provide information on the nomadic movements of this species.
Habitat: Strictly associated with wetlands, where it inhabits dense sedgebeds, reedbeds or shallowly flooded grasslands. Occasionally ventures into drier grassland at the edge of vleis. Equally at home in subtropical dambo’s and floodplains (e.g. Kgomo-Kgomo, Buffelsdrift) and in highveld marshes (e.g. Marievale, Ezemvelo PGP).
Status and movements: Recorded in all months of the year, with a distinctive summer peak due to the increased vocalizations associated with breeding. There are definitely local fluctuations in numbers, probably in response to environmental conditions, but the nature and extent of these movements are unclear.
Population: Extremely difficult to assess due to its secretive nature. However, its distinctive and far-carrying calls can be heard in many wetlands throughout the PCC/BiG area. In large vleis several pairs may occur in close proximity, e.g. 5 to 8 pairs can be heard calling along approximately 250m of the Rademeyer Spruit in the Moreleta Kloof during wet summers. 7 Birds were heard in the Seringveld Conservancy on 20 October 2002 (G. Brits). It is interesting to note that the 110 PCC records, spanning 3 years, is almost 12% of the 6 years’ worth of data gathered throughout the whole southern African subregion as depicted in the Atlas of Southern African Birds. This high ratio is probably a result of increased observer familiarity with this species, and not an increase in abundance.
Conservation: As is the case with many wetland birds, there are many factors that adversely affect this species’ habitat (see Atlas of Southern African Birds, vol 1:xcix for more details). It is however capable of occupying patches of habitat down to about 50m2 (pers. obs), and it appears quickly after new habitat is created, either artificially or as a cause of natural flooding. As long as some cover remains, birds are also capable of persisting in burnt wetlands, albeit at much lower densities, until vegetation is restored. This species is not threatened, but should be monitored.