ebirdDryolimnas cuvieri – The White-throated Rail, a discreet visitor to the ornithological garden of the Au Bois Vert hotel near Antananarivo International Airport in Ivato, fascinates with its striking appearance and unique history.
What does it look like?
The White-throated Rail (Dryolimnas cuvieri) has a uniform reddish-brown plumage, highlighted by a small white patch under the neck. With its long, slender legs and straight bill, it has a sleek and slender silhouette, perfect for slipping through vegetation.
Its song or cry
It can be heard making sharp clacking sounds or repeated “kek-kek” calls, especially at dawn or dusk. This loud call carries through the dense undergrowth, surprising despite its elusive plumage.
An anecdote or fun fact
The White-throated Rail is the only living representative of its genus, Dryolimnas. On Aldabra Island, a population had lost the ability to fly, became extinct… and then reappeared after recolonization, evolving once again without flight. A true example of evolution repeating itself!
Where and when to see it in our garden?
Look for it near the ponds or wetlands around the lodge, early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The White-throated Rail often wanders there at the edge of the vegetation.
Why does he love our garden?
Our hotel-restaurant and lodge provide an ideal habitat for the White-throated Rail: quiet ponds, dense hedges, and abundant insects. It finds there both food, shelter, and peace.
Tips for observing it
Approach quietly and bring binoculars. The best time to spot it is late in the day, near the wetlands. Stay calm and avoid sudden movements: it is a shy bird and easily startled.
