Bare-eyed Rail
Gymnocrex plumbeiventris
A large, long-billed rail with a bright chestnut head, neck, and back, olive-colored wings, a black rump and tail, and a gray undercarriage. Note the pinkish-red bare skin around the eye. Legs pinkish-red and bill olive. Pairs or small groups inhabit swampy riverside areas and lowland and hill forest. Very shy. In Aru Islands, overlaps with the much larger Chestnut Rail, but can be distinguished by reddish legs, chestnut head color, and black tail. Gives a dramatic, deep bellowing “kyow-kyow” call and piglike grunts.
Identification
The bare-eyed rail (Gymnocrex plumbeiventris) is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It has two described subspecies: G. p. plumbeiventris G. p. hoeveni It measures 30–33 cm (12–13 in) in length and was estimated to weigh 300 g (11 oz). The individual plumage is variable. The bare-eyed rail eats insects and probably other small animals.
Taxonomy
Genus: Gymnocrex; Family: Rallidae; Order: Gruiformes.
- Scientific name
- Gymnocrex plumbeiventris
- Authority
- (Gray, GR, 1862)
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Gymnocrex
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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The only crested tit in most of its range. Black front with yellow cheek and yellow eyebrow. Yellowish-green upperparts, white-spotted wings, and yellow-and-black underparts. Females and juveniles are duller, with shorter crests, central stripe thinner and incomplete, and yellowish parts becoming dull white. A bird of the hills, it is most abundant between 500 meters and 1800 meters of elevation, but rarely descends to lower elevations. Seen in pairs or family groups, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the non-breeding season. Forages in the canopy, emitting loud whistles and harsh chatters.
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Tiny dove with short, square-tipped tail. Male is sandy brown with a pinkish hue, female is slightly duller. Look for scaly pattern on neck and breast, dark spots on wings, and pink bill with dark tip. In flight, look for rufous wings and small white corners on tail. Fairly common from the southern U.S. to southeast Brazil. Inhabits open or shrubby areas with tall grasses or groves of trees, including riparian corridors and open savannas; also in towns. Usually in pairs or small groups on the ground; also perches in low trees and shrubs. Eats seeds, grains, and some insects. Compare with female Ruddy Ground Dove and Plain-breasted Ground Dove, especially because female Common can have reduced scaling. Can occur in mixed flocks with other ground doves.
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Chunky, medium-sized shorebird with short, stout bill. In breeding season, shows striking black face and belly with bold black-and-white checkering on upperparts; note clean white undertail. In nonbreeding season, more uniformly drab gray with whitish belly. Juveniles are crisp and neatly spangled above, often with a soft golden hue. Often confused with golden-plovers. In all seasons, note Black-bellied's stockier shape, thicker bill, and diagnostic black “armpits” in flight. Feeds on beaches and mudflats by walking or running, stopping, and pecking at the surface. Often in flocks. Common and widespread across the globe, especially on coastlines; less common inland. Breeds on Arctic tundra.
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