The Guam Rail is a medium-sized, flightless rail that was once endemic to Guam but became Extinct in the Wild due to introduced brown tree snakes. Thanks to intensive captive breeding, it has been successfully reintroduced to predator-free islands. It has brown upperparts, grey underparts, and a stout bill, a true conservation success story.
Where to spot
Extinct in the Wild on Guam. Now found on predator-free islands of Rota (Mariana Islands) and Cocos Island (Guam territory) where it has been reintroduced.
How to spot
On Rota or Cocos Island, look for its plump, flightless form in dense undergrowth. It is less shy than many rails and may be seen foraging. Listen for its distinctive, often repeated, loud 'kep-kep-kep' call, especially at dawn and dusk.
When to spot
Year-round resident on the islands where it has been reintroduced. Most active at dawn and dusk.
Where to spot
Extinct in the Wild on Guam. Now found on predator-free islands of Rota (Mariana Islands) and Cocos Island (Guam territory) where it has been reintroduced.
How to spot
On Rota or Cocos Island, look for its plump, flightless form in dense undergrowth. It is less shy than many rails and may be seen foraging. Listen for its distinctive, often repeated, loud 'kep-kep-kep' call, especially at dawn and dusk.
When to spot
Year-round resident on the islands where it has been reintroduced. Most active at dawn and dusk.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Guam Rail is only the second bird species (after the California Condor) to be brought back from Extinct in the Wild status, a testament to dedicated conservation efforts.
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