The Barred Rail is a medium-sized rail found in the Philippines and Indonesia. It is characterized by its heavily barred black and white underparts, a chestnut crown, and grey upperparts. It inhabits dense wetland vegetation and is often heard before it is seen.
Where to spot
Found in the Philippines (Luzon, Mindoro, Mindanao, etc.) and Indonesia (Sulawesi, Halmahera, Lesser Sundas). Inhabits dense freshwater swamps, marshes, rice paddies, and moist thickets.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive black and white barring on the underparts and the chestnut cap. As with many rails, it is secretive, so listening for its loud, clattering calls, often described as a series of sharp 'kek-kek-kek' notes or grunts, is crucial for detection.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Most active at dawn and dusk, when it may emerge from dense cover.
Where to spot
Found in the Philippines (Luzon, Mindoro, Mindanao, etc.) and Indonesia (Sulawesi, Halmahera, Lesser Sundas). Inhabits dense freshwater swamps, marshes, rice paddies, and moist thickets.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive black and white barring on the underparts and the chestnut cap. As with many rails, it is secretive, so listening for its loud, clattering calls, often described as a series of sharp 'kek-kek-kek' notes or grunts, is crucial for detection.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Most active at dawn and dusk, when it may emerge from dense cover.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Its striking black and white barring on its belly makes it one of the most distinctly patterned rails in its range, aiding in its identification among other secretive marsh birds.
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