The Roviana rail is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is endemic to the Western Province. The species has sometimes been placed in the genus Hypotaenidia.
Region
Western Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
The species is confined to islands of the Western Province, using lowland habitats with dense ground cover. It occurs along forest edges, in secondary growth, and in thickets near villages and gardens. Swampy understories, mangroves, and freshwater wetlands are also used, especially where leaf litter and tangled roots provide cover. It forages along stream margins and damp clearings and may venture into coconut groves and fallow plots with dense brush.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Roviana rail is a shy, ground-dwelling rail endemic to the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, especially around the Roviana Lagoon and neighboring islands. It has sometimes been placed in the genus Hypotaenidia. It frequents dense undergrowth and secondary habitats, where it can be surprisingly tolerant of nearby human activity while remaining difficult to see. Its secretive nature means it is most often detected by its sharp, grating calls at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
weak flier with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are placed on or near the ground, hidden in dense vegetation, and constructed from grasses and leaves. Both parents likely participate in nesting duties, and chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, grating notes and squeals, often delivered as duets at dawn and dusk. Alarm calls are harsher and rapid, given when disturbed in dense cover.
Plumage
Dark brown to olive-brown upperparts with fine mottling; underparts with greyish tones and barred flanks; short rounded wings and a short tail. The throat and face are paler, with subtle streaking. Overall appearance is cryptic and well-suited to dense cover.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that picks at invertebrates such as insects, worms, snails, and small crabs. It also consumes fallen seeds, fruits, and plant matter gleaned from leaf litter. Foraging is typically by walking and probing, flipping leaves, and picking items from the ground or shallow water.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor, along wet edges of streams and swamps, and in dense thickets. It will also exploit human-modified habitats like gardens and fallow fields where cover remains.
