Amaurornis phoenicurus javanica

(Horsfield, 1821)

Vernacular names
English : White-breasted waterhen
French : Râle à poitrine blanche

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Gruiformes
Family : Rallidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known

Identification
The species reaches 33 cm in length for a weight of 328 g, males bigger than females. Distinctive species with slaty-grey crown, nape, flanks, wings and tail, rufous undertail and white face, neck and breast. Red and yellow bill.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from Malaysia to Greater Sundas. Species found from India and Sri Lanka to east China and Philippines, south to central Indonesia. Lives often near humid habitats, forest edges, mangroves, up to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is quite common and is regularly colonizing new territories, often displacing other rail species. Often found in urban parks.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore)

 

Back to “Rails” page