Wallace's Rail is a large, flightless rail endemic to the island of Halmahera in Indonesia. It is a striking bird with dark plumage, a red bill, and reddish-brown underparts, inhabiting dense primary forests, often near water. This rare species is a testament to island endemism.
Where to spot
Endemic to Halmahera Island, North Maluku, Indonesia. Inhabits dense lowland primary forests, often near streams and swampy areas.
How to spot
Look for its large size, dark body, red bill, and reddish-brown underparts. It is extremely shy and difficult to observe. The best way to detect its presence is often by listening for its distinctive calls, described as a loud, deep 'coo-coo-coo' or a repeated 'wok-wok-wok.'
When to spot
Year-round resident. Due to its elusive nature, specific activity times are not well known, but likely active during the day.
Where to spot
Endemic to Halmahera Island, North Maluku, Indonesia. Inhabits dense lowland primary forests, often near streams and swampy areas.
How to spot
Look for its large size, dark body, red bill, and reddish-brown underparts. It is extremely shy and difficult to observe. The best way to detect its presence is often by listening for its distinctive calls, described as a loud, deep 'coo-coo-coo' or a repeated 'wok-wok-wok.'
When to spot
Year-round resident. Due to its elusive nature, specific activity times are not well known, but likely active during the day.
This rail is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, who collected the first specimen in 1859 during his groundbreaking work on evolution in the Malay Archipelago.
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