Elusive Slaty-legged crake seen for first time since 2021; only eighth sighting in 10 years; Over the past ten years, only eight confirmed sightings have been recorded in Mumbai
The Slaty-legged crake spotted in the thick vegetation at Aarey Milk Colony. PIC/Mahesh Yadav
The Slaty-legged crake, a secretive and shy bird, was recently spotted by a group of wildlife enthusiasts during a nature walk in Mumbai’s Aarey forest. Known for its crepuscular behaviour (animals active during twilight hours, specifically at dawn and dusk) and elusive nature, this bird is usually heard rather than seen, typically dwelling near water bodies and dense undergrowth at forest edges.
Over the past ten years, only eight confirmed sightings have been recorded in Mumbai, making this encounter particularly significant. On July 31, evening, around 7.30 pm, naturalist and wildlife photographer Mahesh Yadav, actor and wildlife enthusiast Suyash Tilak (also the founder of Biodiverse Trails), and wildlife enthusiasts Kaushal Dubey and Imran Udat were exploring a forested patch in Aarey when they heard the distinct call of a bird. Using a bird identification app, they recorded the sound and were thrilled to confirm that it was the Slaty-legged crake. Shortly after, the bird was spotted resting on a small tree branch.
Speaking about the sighting, Yadav said, “Spotting a Slaty-legged crake in Aarey is not only special for birdwatchers, but personally meaningful to me. Back in 2018, one was rescued here. Then in 2021, I witnessed a pair with two chicks at BNHS CEC, marking the first breeding record for the region — a discovery later published in a research paper. To see it again in 2025 after such a long gap is exhilarating.
Its reappearance suggests a healthy or even breeding population, and it reaffirms that conservation efforts in places like Aarey are making an impact.” Actor and conservationist Suyash Tilak said, “We were fortunate to encounter this rare bird. The bird’s persistent call led us to it, perched high in the tree canopy. Known to inhabit dense undergrowth and being extremely shy, urban sightings like this are extraordinarily uncommon.” “This moment reminds us why spaces like Aarey must be preserved and protected. The presence of such a sensitive species underscores the forest’s biodiversity and value,” Tilak said.
Expert Speak
Yogesh Patel, A naturalist, birder, and wildlife photographer
Shared his insights on the species, “They tend to disperse locally during their breeding season, from June to September, and may be found accidentally in urbanised zones during this time. I remember observing a pair with three chicks repeatedly crossing trails in Sanjay Gandhi National Park during 2016. Sightings and rescues have occurred throughout Mumbai during monsoons. Spotting one in Aarey’s rapidly degrading forest is a valuable addition to its biodiversity record.”
About the bird
According to eBird.org: “Small, chicken-like dweller of dense forests and tangled edges. Dark brown above, with orange head and breast and black-and-white-striped sides. Juveniles have a brown head and breast with narrower white stripes. Dark, lead-gray legs distinguish it from similar species such as Red-legged, Band-bellied, and Ruddy-breasted Crakes. The bird is known to sing at night from tree perches, emitting a series of doubled hoots that resemble the call of a Mountain Scops-Owl.”
Sightings in Mumbai (2016–2025)
2016
1 at SGNP
2018
1 (rescued) at Aarey
2020
1 at IIT-Bombay
2021
3 sightings: 1 at BNHS CEC, 2 at IIT-Bombay
2022
1 1 at BNHS CEC, Goregaon East
2025
1 at Aarey Forest
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