Habitat:
Dry forests, savannas, shrublands

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The Long-tailed Ground Roller, or Uratelornis chimaera, is an endemic bird species of Madagascar, remarkable for its appearance and behavior. This medium-sized bird, measuring about 30 cm in length, is notable for its long tail and brown speckled plumage, which provides effective camouflage in its natural habitat. Primarily terrestrial, it prefers running to flying and feeds on insects and small invertebrates found by foraging on the ground. The Long-tailed Ground Roller is a diurnal bird, active mainly in the morning and late afternoon. It is known for its melodious song, used to mark territory and attract a mate. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by habitat destruction due to deforestation.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the Long-tailed Ground Roller, it's essential to blend into the environment to avoid scaring it away. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance. Patience is crucial, as this bird is suspicious and moves quickly on the ground. Focus on early morning or late afternoon hours when the bird is most active. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize your camera and achieve sharp shots. Pay attention to its melodious song, which can help you locate this elusive bird.