THE HIDDEN GHOST OF AFRICAN WETLANDS:AFRICAN WATER RAIL (BIRDS OF ONDIRI WETLAND)

The elusive African water rail has moved quietly through african marshes unnoticed but recent observations and growing interest from bird watchers are finally bringing this mysterious wetland bird into the spotlight.

The african water rail is one of the most secretive birds of the wetlands. Quiet, elusive and its rarely seen, the bird spends most of the time hiding in reeds. Many Bird watchers hear their calls long before they could even catch a glimpse of it.

Found across eastern and southern africa, the bird thrives in fresh water marshes, swampy vegetation and reedbeds. It's body is specially adapted to live in dense wetlands. The bird has a narrow flattened body that allows it to move quickly through reeds.

It has blue-grey underparts, chestnut-brown upper feathers, barred black-and-white flanks, and striking reddish legs. Its long toes help it walk easily on muddy ground and floating vegetation without sinking.

Being a very shy bird the African water rail prefers running to flying. When disturbed it quickly hides back instead of taking off to the air. With this behavior it makes it very difficult to photograph it.

They are most vocal during the cooler hours of the day and will occasionally call after dark. During the breeding season the bird builds hidden nests among reeds close to the water. They become very territorial and aggressive when it comes to protecting their nests. The chicks are precocial meaning they can move around after hatching.

Beyond its mystery the African water rail plays an important role in the wetland ecosystems. It depends on healthy marshes to survive, it's presence often indicates a healthy wetland environment.

Protecting wetlands means protecting hidden birds like the African water rail. Let's come together to conserve and protect our very own Ondiri Wetland.