White-winged flufftail

The white-winged flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) is a very rare African bird in the family Sarothruridae. The estimated global population size of white-winged flufftails is less than 250 adults. These birds reside in Ethiopia and South Africa but it is unknown whether these populations are one large or two different populations.

Both sexes have dull plumage, dark crowns, and when flying show white secondary feathers.

Their habitat consists of high altitude seasonal marshland with high sedge cover to protect their ground nests. Habitat loss is the main problem facing these birds as they require highly specialized habitat. These marshlands are being destroyed for a number of reasons such as, farming, grazing and sedge harvesting, but some efforts are being taken to protect the white-winged flufftail.