Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 7: In a rare and thrilling moment for Mumbai’s birding community, the elusive Slaty-legged Crake, a shy and secretive forest bird, was recently sighted during a nature walk in the Aarey forest, reaffirming the biodiversity richness of the green lung nestled within the bustling metropolis.

Known for its crepuscular habits—being most active during dawn and dusk—the bird is more often heard than seen, typically hiding in thick undergrowth near water bodies. This latest sighting marks only the ninth confirmed record of the species in Mumbai over the past decade, making it a significant milestone for conservationists and birdwatchers alike.

The sighting occurred around 7:30 pm on July 31, when a group of wildlife enthusiasts including naturalist and wildlife photographer Mahesh Yadav, actor and conservationist Suyash Tilak (founder of Biodiverse Trails), and fellow nature lovers Kaushal Dubey and Imran Udat, were on an exploratory walk through the Aarey forest. Alerted by a distinctive call, they used a bird identification app to confirm the presence of the Slaty-legged Crake — and moments later, spotted it perched calmly on a tree branch.

Speaking to Daijiworld Media Network, Mahesh Yadav reflected on the personal significance of the moment. “Spotting a Slaty-legged Crake in Aarey is very special. Back in 2018, one was rescued here. Then in 2021, I saw a pair with chicks at BNHS CEC — the first breeding record for the region, which was later documented in research. To witness it again in 2025 is exhilarating and suggests we may have a breeding population. This validates our conservation efforts.”

Actor Suyash Tilak described the encounter as both humbling and inspiring. “Urban sightings of this bird are extremely rare. Its haunting call led us to it, high in the canopy. The fact that it thrives here reaffirms the critical importance of protecting Aarey.”

Expert Insight:

Naturalist and wildlife photographer Yogesh Patel added, “These birds are known to locally disperse during the breeding season between June and September, often appearing in unexpected locations. I saw a family of Slaty-legged Crakes in Sanjay Gandhi National Park in 2016. Such sightings, especially amid increasing urban pressure, are a testament to Aarey’s still-vibrant ecological fabric.”

About the Bird:

According to eBird.org, the Slaty-legged Crake is a small, chicken-like bird of dense forests. It has a distinctive look: dark brown upperparts, orange head and breast, and black-and-white-barred flanks. The dark gray legs help distinguish it from similar species like the Red-legged, Band-bellied, or Ruddy-breasted Crake. The bird is known to sing from tree perches at night, with hoots resembling the call of a Mountain Scops-Owl.

Conservation Call:

With increasing deforestation and habitat fragmentation threatening Mumbai’s green spaces, this sighting serves as a powerful reminder of why ecosystems like Aarey must be safeguarded. As the city continues to expand, the forest remains a last refuge for sensitive and rare species, standing as a living symbol of the city’s natural heritage.