Swinhoe's Rail

Coturnicops exquisitus

This sparrow-sized rail moves like a ghost through grassy meadows and wetlands. Prefers to run instead of fly, but white wing patches are unmistakable if seen. Flight is weak with dangling legs, drops into cover quickly. Belly is white with brown bars on the sides and upperparts are darker brown with fine white stripes. Voice is the only way to detect this species; its repertoire is varied, with grunts, squeals, and tapping notes.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Coturnicops exquisitus
Authority
(Swinhoe, 1873)
Order
Gruiformes
Family
Rallidae
Genus
Coturnicops

Range and habitat

Migration
Complete migrants

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

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