Calayan rail

The Calayan rail is a flightless bird of the rail, moorhen, and coot family (Rallidae) that inhabits Calayan Island in the Philippines. Though well known to natives of the island as the "piding", it was first observed by ornithologist Carmela Española in May 2004 and the discovery was officially announced on August 16, 2004. It was formerly the only species placed in the genus Aptenorallus.

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Distribution

Region

Northern Philippines (Babuyan Islands)

Typical Environment

Restricted to Calayan Island, where it inhabits dense primary and secondary forest on limestone karst, forest edges, and thick understory tangles. It keeps close to the ground, using leaf litter and root tangles for cover. The species is rarely seen in open areas and avoids heavily disturbed farmland. It occurs near streams, sinkholes, and damp forest floors where invertebrate prey is abundant.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size25–30 cm

Wing Span35–45 cm

Male Weight0.25 kg

Female Weight0.23 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Calayan rail is a flightless rail known locally as the “piding,” discovered by science only in 2004 despite being familiar to residents of Calayan Island in the northern Philippines. It favors dense limestone forest and thickets, where it runs rather than flies. Its very small range makes it sensitive to habitat loss and disturbance. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining forest and controlling threats from hunting and introduced predators.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and secretive

Flight Pattern

flightless; prefers running through dense cover

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest. Nests are placed on or near the ground, concealed in thick vegetation. Clutches are small, and both parents are thought to share incubation and chick care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are loud, harsh, and grating, often delivered from hidden perches in dense cover. Vocal activity increases at dawn and dusk, aiding detection despite the bird’s secretive habits.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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