Cuvier's Rail (Dryolimnas cuvieri) is a medium-sized rail species native to Madagascar and the Aldabra Atoll. The Aldabra subspecies is famously flightless, a rare adaptation among birds.
Where to spot
Primarily on Madagascar and the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean. Inhabits various wetlands, mangroves, and dense coastal vegetation.
How to spot
On Aldabra, they can be relatively bold due to a lack of predators, sometimes foraging in the open. In Madagascar, they are more secretive, requiring patience and focus on dense coastal or wetland vegetation.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Best observed during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, when they are more active.
Where to spot
Primarily on Madagascar and the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean. Inhabits various wetlands, mangroves, and dense coastal vegetation.
How to spot
On Aldabra, they can be relatively bold due to a lack of predators, sometimes foraging in the open. In Madagascar, they are more secretive, requiring patience and focus on dense coastal or wetland vegetation.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Best observed during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, when they are more active.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Aldabra subspecies of Cuvier's Rail is the last surviving flightless bird in the Indian Ocean, a remarkable example of evolution on isolated islands where predators are absent.
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