Pink-legged rail

The pink-legged rail, also known as the New Britain rail, is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. The species was formerly placed in the genus Hypotaenidia.

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Distribution

Region

Bismarck Archipelago

Typical Environment

The pink-legged rail is restricted to New Britain, inhabiting dense lowland and foothill rainforest and heavily vegetated forest edges. It favors thick understory, tangled vines, and leaf-littered ground where it can move quietly and stay concealed. It may use secondary growth and selectively logged forest if cover remains intact. Occurrence near streams, swampy patches, and wet gullies is likely, as many rails prefer moist substrates.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size25–30 cm

Wing Span38–42 cm

Male Weight0.22 kg

Female Weight0.21 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the New Britain rail, this elusive species is known from very few records and is difficult to observe in dense rainforest undergrowth. It is a member of the rail family (Rallidae) and has characteristically pink legs. The taxonomy has shifted over time, with the species placed by some authorities in Hypotaenidia. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion on New Britain is considered a potential threat.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and shy

Flight Pattern

reluctant flier with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs, moving quietly through dense understory. Nests are likely placed on or near the ground in well-concealed sites. Clutch size in related rails is small to moderate, with precocial chicks that follow adults soon after hatching.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are infrequently heard but expected to include grunts, squeals, and repeated whistles typical of forest rails. Calls are often given at dawn and dusk and can carry through dense vegetation.

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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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