Masked Finfoot is a tropical water bird with webbed lobes that belongs to the family of Heliornithidae. Though the common name of this family is Finfoot, there are 3 genera, only one of them is known as Sungrebe. The one that visit us is the Masked Finfoot. Finfoot having their long necks, slender bodies do resemblances Rails but when they are in the water, they look more like Grebe. But unlike Grebe, they could walk very well and fast.

The actual habitats that Finfoot prefers is unclear beyond the common factor of water and shades. They are found in moving waterways, fast and slow and those broad rivers with slow moving water is top of the list. Then there are lakes in swamps with reed beds, usually within the forest.

Apart from seeing the Finfoot climbing onto logs and preening, out of the water, how much and when they would be on land? Apparently, unlike Grebe their close look alike who don't, Finfoot do forage on solid ground. The Masked Finfoot though adapted for an aquatic habitat but this does not mean that it is clumsy on land. On land it can run fast and even clamber into trees, moving around the branches with agility.

Finfoot is territorial. Keeping the feeding area to itself. They were seen singly or in pairs, must be the time when they are breeding.

 It is still unclear as to how important is cover to Finfoot. Seen or appearing from the edge of thick vegetation were common occurrences. Tall grasses and reeds are essential often hidden among the reeds the presence of the bird remain undetected.  They are very secretive birds. It is not ascertained whether the Finfoot spend most of their time in the water, where they are almost always seen.  The species is generally very shy and retiring presumably hiding under the cover most time. But while being caught in an exposed position, the bird exhibit a contrary pattern, display calmness, can be appear extremely tame and confiding while incubating, rendering it susceptible to human predation

This aquatic bird feeds on invertebrates, mayflies, dragonflies, crustaceans, snails, fish and amphibians. feeds mainly by gleaning insects from overhanging vegetation.

The Masked Finfoot is considered endangered and its population declining. There are fewer than 2,500 birds estimated to be the world and the placement fragmented. Threats are human disturbance and habitat loss. The bird is protected in Malaysia.

Special characteristic e.g. exhibit some changes in appearance prior to breeding - Masked Finfoot develop a fleshy knob above the bill

With Will would Wander