Species profile
About this species
The Rufous-headed ground roller is a rare & secretive bird endemic to the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. It has a distinctive rufous-orange head, brown upperparts, & whitish underparts with dark streaking. Like other ground rollers, it forages primarily on the forest floor, feeding on invertebrates such as insects & small reptiles.
Dense primary rainforest understorey in the eastern humid forests of Madagascar, typically found at mid-altitude elevations between 600 & 1800 metres, where leaf litter on the forest floor is deep & undisturbed.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Rufous-headed ground roller with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours shortly after dawn are best, when the bird is most active in foraging. The austral summer months of October to January coincide with the breeding season, offering increased activity & vocalisation to help locate individuals.
Move slowly & quietly through the forest understorey as this bird is easily disturbed & will retreat into dense cover. Position yourself low to the ground to achieve eye-level shots that capture the bird in its natural foraging posture. Use a fast lens with a wide aperture to cope with the low light conditions of the rainforest floor.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Rufous-headed ground roller
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.