Masked finfoot

The masked finfoot, also known as the Asian finfoot, is a remarkable aquatic bird inhabiting the fresh and brackish wetlands of the eastern Indian subcontinent, Indochina, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It belongs to a unique family that also includes the African finfoot and the sungrebe, though its precise relationship with other bird species remains somewhat enigmatic.

This bird is a proficient swimmer and diver, easily distinguished by its long neck, sharp beak, and distinctive green-lobed feet. Both males and females possess a black mask and eyebrow, a white eyering, and a grey neck. Males, however, feature an all-black chin, while females have a white chin. You can find them in various habitats, including forests, wooded savannahs, flooded forests, and mangrove swamps. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates such as mayflies, dragonflies, crustaceans, snails, along with fish and amphibians.

Masked finfoots are solitary creatures and are rarely seen, making them a coveted sight for birdwatchers. Their breeding habits are still not well-documented, but it is known that they construct nests above water using small sticks and lay between three to seven eggs. The chicks, which are dark grey, are fed fish and shrimp and leave the nest shortly after hatching.

Regrettably, the masked finfoot is classified as endangered, with fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild. Their populations are fragmented mainly due to human disturbance and habitat loss. In Malaysia, conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these extraordinary birds and ensure their survival.