The chestnut rail is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is found in the Aru Islands and northern Australia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. It was formerly the only species placed in the genus Eulabeornis.
Region
Northern Australia and the Aru Islands (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs along tropical coasts with extensive mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and adjacent mudflats. It favors dense mangrove thickets with tangled roots, where it can move and forage under cover. The species also uses nearby saltmarsh and paperbark swamps near tidal influence. It is local but can be fairly common where suitable mangrove habitat is continuous and undisturbed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy mangrove specialist, the chestnut rail is more often heard than seen, slipping silently through dense roots and leaf litter. It can sprint rapidly and prefers running to flying, bursting into short, low flights only when pressed. Pairs often call in duet, especially at dawn and dusk. While currently not at risk, it depends heavily on healthy mangrove systems and is sensitive to coastal habitat loss.
Early illustration by Broinowski
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Likely monogamous, nesting on or near the ground in dense mangrove vegetation. Both parents are thought to share nesting and chick-rearing duties. Territorial calling is common around dawn and dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, ringing calls and grating notes, often delivered as a series of repeated phrases. Pairs frequently duet, with antiphonal exchanges carrying far through mangrove habitat.
Plumage
Rich chestnut head, neck, and underparts with darker brown upperparts; flanks boldly barred black and white; short tail and sturdy body typical of rails.
Diet
Feeds on small crabs, mollusks, insects, worms, and other invertebrates gleaned from mud and leaf litter. It may also take small fish or amphibians when available, and occasionally seeds or fallen fruits. Foraging involves probing with the bill, flipping debris, and picking prey from exposed mud at low tide.
Preferred Environment
Forages along tidal creeks, among pneumatophores, and at mangrove edges where mud is exposed. It keeps close to dense cover, rarely venturing into open areas for long.
