Snoring rail

The snoring rail, also known as the Celebes rail or Platen's rail, is a large flightless rail and the only member of the genus Aramidopsis. The species is endemic to Indonesia, and it is found exclusively in dense vegetation in wet areas of Sulawesi and nearby Buton. The rail has grey underparts, a white chin, brown wings and a rufous patch on the hind-neck. The sexes are similar, but the female has a brighter neck patch and a differently coloured bill and iris. The typical call is the snoring: ee-orrrr sound that gives the bird its English name.

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Distribution

Region

Sulawesi Archipelago (Wallacea), Indonesia

Typical Environment

Occurs in dense vegetation of wetlands, including marshes, sago swamps, riparian thickets, and wet forest edges. It favors tangled undergrowth near standing or slow-moving water, often within lowland evergreen forests. Birds keep to the ground and rarely venture into open areas, using cover for foraging and concealment. It may also persist in wet agricultural fringes where cover remains.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size30–35 cm

Wing Span40–50 cm

Male Weight0.27 kg

Female Weight0.25 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The snoring rail is the only member of the genus Aramidopsis and is flightless, skulking through dense wet vegetation. Endemic to Sulawesi and nearby Buton Island in Indonesia, it is most often detected by its loud, snore-like ee-orrrr call. Habitat loss and hunting pressure have made it increasingly rare and difficult to observe.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and elusive

Flight Pattern

flightless; prefers running through dense cover

Social Behavior

Typically encountered singly or in pairs within dense wet thickets. Likely forms monogamous pairs and nests on or near the ground, concealed within sedges or pandanus. Territorial calling is common at dawn and dusk, with birds remaining hidden even when vocalizing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A distinctive, low, snore-like ee-orrrr call delivered in repeated series, often carrying far in still conditions. Additional grunts and croaks may be given when alarmed or in close contact.

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Identification

Leg Colorgreenish-grey

Eye Colordark reddish-brown

Plumage

Grey underparts with a contrasting white chin, warm brown wings, and a rufous patch on the hind-neck; feathers appear smooth and close-fitting.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds on a mix of invertebrates such as insects, worms, and snails, along with small amphibians when available. Also takes seeds, fallen fruits, and other plant matter opportunistically. Forages by probing leaf litter and soft mud, gleaning along the edges of shallow water and under dense cover.

Preferred Environment

Most feeding occurs in shaded wet thickets, swamp edges, and along small streams or pools within forest. It avoids open ground, remaining close to tangles of sedges, ferns, and pandanus for rapid cover.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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