Mayr's forest rail, also Mayr's forest crake, is a species of bird in the family Sarothruridae. It is found in northern New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in the mossy hill and montane forests of northern New Guinea, favoring dense understory, bamboo thickets, and damp leaf-littered slopes. It keeps close to the forest floor and along shaded stream gullies. The species prefers interior forest and avoids open edges and heavily disturbed areas. Records are scattered but indicate a continuous presence where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1000–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Mayr's forest rail, also called Mayr's forest crake, is a shy, ground-dwelling rail of the Sarothruridae family, named in honor of ornithologist Ernst Mayr. It inhabits dense montane forests of northern New Guinea and is far more often heard than seen. Like many forest rails, it relies on thick understory and leaf litter for cover while foraging.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs within dense understory. Likely monogamous with ground or near-ground nesting concealed by thick vegetation. Both adults are thought to participate in brood care, guiding chicks through leaf litter.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, repeated whistles and piping notes from concealed perches near the ground, often at dawn and dusk. Calls can carry through forest ravines and are the primary means of detection.
Plumage
Compact rail with dark brown upperparts and warmer rufous-brown underparts; fine barring on the flanks and undertail is often visible. Feathers appear soft and close-set, giving a sleek, low-sheen look suited for moving through dense vegetation.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and small worms gleaned from leaf litter. May also take small snails and occasional seeds or fallen berries. Foraging is methodical, with quiet probing and flicking aside debris.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor in dense, shaded understory, especially along damp gullies and mossy slopes. Often keeps to areas with deep leaf litter and tangled roots that provide cover.
