Cryptic rail with long, decurved bill.
NT: Vulnerable
Indigenous: Water Rail, Pectoral Rail, Slate-Breasted Rail, Short-Toed Rail, Lewin Water Rail
At a glance
FamilyRails, Gallinules, and Coots
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatThis species is typically difficult to observe as it tends to hide in reed beds, where heard far more often than seen.
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
11777approx records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Darker juvenile very dull in comparison and lacks the reddish-brown crown. Buff-banded Rail has a chunkier bill and prominent pale eyebrow. This species is typically difficult to observe as it tends to hide in reed beds, where heard far more often than seen.
Behavior
Adult has reddish-brown crown and nape, gray breast, and black-and-white barred belly.
Gallery
Regional timing
Victoria
Tasmania
New South Wales
South Australia
Queensland
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Pale-vented Bush-henAmaurornis moluccanaRarely seen away from cover. Dull gray-blue body, brown wings and tail, with reddish-brown undertail, yellow-green bill with small shield, and long yellow legs.→Australian CrakePorzana flumineaTail is often held cocked.→Tasmanian NativehenTribonyx mortieriiHas a yellow-green bill and a white thigh patch.→