
Short-legged Ground-roller
The short-legged ground roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus) is a species of bird in the ground roller family Brachypteraciidae.
Short-legged Ground-roller isn't recorded around South Africa
These are the parks where hosts on Spekboom record it.
Species insights
Most records Sep to Dec
When Short-legged Ground-roller sightings peak, from open records. Outside these months it is seen less often, not never.
Curve from 77 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.
Stays that give back
Across South Africa
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Sandstone amphitheatres and cool mountain air
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the Short-legged Ground-roller
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
IUCN Red List
Vulnerable
Species
Brachypteracias leptosomus
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Short-legged Ground-roller on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
When is the best time to see the Short-legged Ground-roller?
Sightings of the Short-legged Ground-roller peak from Sep to Dec, based on 77 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the conservation status of the Short-legged Ground-roller?
The Short-legged Ground-roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus) is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
What is the Short-legged Ground-roller?
The short-legged ground roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus) is a species of bird in the ground roller family Brachypteraciidae. It is the only living species in the genus Brachypteracias and is endemic to Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss.


























