Rouget's Rail

Rougetius rougetii

This unusual rail can be quite tame, and is often found well away from water. The upperparts are olive-brown, the underparts are rufous, and the bright white undertail is often revealed when the tail is flicked up while walking. Found in montane habitats, including wetlands, scrub, and heath. Within its small range, unlikely to be confused with other rails. Calls include a two-part “ki-kee” and a rising “krrreeeee.”

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Rougetius rougetii
Authority
(Guérin-Méneville, 1843)
Order
Gruiformes
Family
Rallidae
Genus
Rougetius

Range and habitat

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, rivers, swamps, freshwater marshes, pastureland, rural gardens, and urban areas.It is threatened by habitat loss.

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Chestnut-rumped Heathwren

Chestnut-rumped Heathwren

Hylacola pyrrhopygia

Small bird of dense heath and shrubland in southeastern Australia. Pale brown above, whitish below, with distinct pale supercilium, red-brown rump, small white patch at the base of primaries, fine dark chest streaking, and long, cocked tail. Forages quietly on the ground or in thick vegetation, where difficult to see. Compare Shy Heathwren, which has a white wing spot, more black in wing, and darker legs.

Humaita Antbird

Humaita Antbird

Myrmelastes humaythae

Understory antbird of wet, forested habitats. Males are evenly gray; females are warm brown. Both sexes have tiny white wing spots and light gray eyes. Part of the species complex previously known as “Spot-winged Antbird;” it is similar to the previously conspecific Brownish-headed Antbird, which is separated by range and habitat. Humaita Antbird is found away from the foothills, in the Amazonian lowlands, while Brownish-headed is found in the understory of mature rainforest along the base of the Andes. In parts of its range, it is found nearly exclusively in palm swamps. Its song is a slowly-rising series of rapid high notes.

Azure-rumped Parrot

Azure-rumped Parrot

Tanygnathus sumatranus

A bright green parrot with a large bill that is orange in males and horn-colored in females and juveniles. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, where it can be found in groups high in the trees. Differs from Blue-naped Parrot in the absence of a pale tail tip and yellow underwings, and from Great-billed Parrot in the lack of striking yellow wing markings. Vocal, giving a loud nasal high-pitched “klee-oo” as well as “kew” and explosive “kyow” calls in flight. Often active and vocal at night.

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