Flufftails

The Sarothruridae is a family of small to medium-sized, primarily ground-dwelling birds found mostly in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa, with one genus also inhabiting New Guinea and the Moluccas. Formerly considered part of the larger rail family, Rallidae, Sarothruridae encompasses three genera: the nine species of flufftails under the genus Sarothrura, which include varieties like the White-spotted, Buff-spotted, and Red-chested flufftail; the two wood rail species of the genus Mentocrex, namely the Madagascar and Tsingy wood rail; and the four forest rail species of the genus Rallicula, including the White-striped and Chestnut forest rail among others. These birds have adapted to life on the ground, making their homes across a diverse range of environments within their geographical bounds.