The African Finfoot – Podica senegalensis has become a holy grail of the bird-watching fraternity. The bird is the largest of a small group of three species as well as the only one found in Africa.

Apart from one or two duck-like attributes, the finfoot is reminiscent of a cross between a Grebe and a Cormorant. Two striking features are its beak and its feet, both of which are bright red. Its feet, furthermore, are of a strange design and, no doubt, played a part in the common naming of the bird.

However, I confess, I cannot personally see why. One would have thought with that name that the feet would have been strongly webbed like a fin. Rather, the finfoot’s feet are heavily lobed somewhat like a Coot. The design assists in one of its locomotory behaviour patterns. A movement of seemingly “running” across the water’s surface.

I have seen similar behaviour with the Falkland Islands Flightless Steamer Duck. This bird also “runs” across the water, but in this case, the behaviour is labelled as “steaming” – hence the name.

Finfoot Distribution

The Finfoot has a wide distribution in sub-Saharan Africa but due to its strong territoriality, it is nowhere plentiful. Whilst the population is officially recognized as declining it is deemed “not yet vulnerable”. Officially the finfoot is listed as of “Least Concern”. These facts probably sound optimistic to a would-be Finfoot spotter as they are nearly impossible to see and watch for long. The bird’s secretive nature and ability to quickly disappear underwater make it one of the most difficult birds to “Spot” in Africa.

Characteristics of the Elusive Finfoot

They are supposedly monogamous (partner for life) and usually choose a habitat of river, pond or lakeside. Finfoots choose a location with fairly dense overhanging foliage. This helps from a secrecy point of view and provides easily reached perching for many of its preferred food items.

The birds are opportunist feeders and include on their chosen menu crustaceans, aquatic insects and their larvae. This means finfoots also enjoy mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, amphibians, fish and even a certain amount of aquatic vegetation. These birds usually nest in a fairly basic construction. Normally, the nest is a few feet above water level on a stump or fallen tree with a clutch size of two.

Photographing the Elusive Finfoot at Pamuzinda Lodge

Their most salient point, from the point of view of this blog, is that we have the elusive finfoot here at Pamuzinda Safari Lodge. We have them nesting only a few hundred meters upstream. Lucky guests can spot one working its beat from the river banks or a canoe.

If you are after meaningful photographs, you have to set your camera ready to take advantage. You will only have a moment. I was fortunate enough recently (Oct/Nov ’18) to see a female with one well-developed youngster in tow and obtain the attached image.

Unlike most Wildlife Photography, acquiring images of this species, is, in large part, down to luck as opposed to skill. However, it certainly gives you an edge if you know they exist in the area. As a warning, I should point out that, other than the occasional “grab shot”, it has taken nearly 20 years to obtain the attached image. I would shudder to think how it would cost out commercially – but that’s not the point – is it?!!!