Heliornithidae

Heliornithidae is a small family of tropical, aquatic birds commonly known as finfoots or sungrebes. In the traditional classification, it is placed in the order Gruiformes and comprises two living genera, Heliornis and Podica, with three extant species. The group is notable for its lobed feet, which aid in swimming, and for a lifestyle closely tied to slow-moving streams, swamps, and mangrove habitats.

The genus Heliornis includes two Neotropical species, commonly referred to as sungrebes, distributed across tropical regions of Central and South America. The genus Podica contains a single African species, the African finfoot, found in wetlands and dense vegetation across sub‑Saharan Africa. Collectively, the living members of Heliornithidae are adapted to an semi-aquatic existence, often remaining concealed among reeds and other aquatic cover.

Morphology and behavior are characterized by a compact body, relatively long neck, and a plumage that tends to be dark or having muted tones. They possess strongly lobed feet suited to aquatic foraging. They are generally shy and elusive, foraging along water edges or by wading into shallow water to capture insects, crustaceans, small fish, and other aquatic prey. Socially, they are mostly solitary or observed in small family groups, depending on the species and local conditions.

Reproduction involves nests placed near water in dense vegetation. Both parents typically participate in incubation and chick rearing, and clutch sizes are species-dependent. Due to habitat loss, degradation of wetlands, and deforestation, some Heliornithidae populations face threats; conservation efforts emphasize protecting wetland habitats and tropical forested regions where these birds occur.