Swinhoe's rail is a species of bird in the family Rallidae occurring in northeastern Asia. It was known only in two locations in Manchuria and southeastern Siberia, separated by more than 1000 km; however, in 2018, a new breeding population was found in the Amur region, situated between the two. Its natural habitats are swamps, freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, and arable land. It is the world's smallest rail at 13 cm (5.2 in) and 24.5 grams. It is threatened by habitat loss, and considered a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List.
Region
Northeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in northeastern Asia, historically known from southeastern Siberia and Manchuria, with a recently confirmed breeding population in the Amur region. It occupies freshwater marshes, sedge meadows, peat bogs, and swampy grasslands with shallow water and dense cover. During movements it may use wet meadows and flooded agricultural fields, including rice paddies. The wintering range is poorly known but is thought to lie mainly in eastern China. It generally keeps to lowland wetlands and avoids open water.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Swinhoe's rail is the world’s smallest rail, measuring about 13 cm and weighing roughly 24–25 g. It is extremely elusive and skulking, often going undetected even where present. A new breeding population was documented in 2018 in Russia’s Amur region, filling a gap between previously known sites. Ongoing loss and alteration of wetlands pose its primary conservation threat.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant to fly, prefers to run through cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, nesting in dense marsh vegetation above shallow water. Likely monogamous with a cryptic nest and highly secretive brooding behavior. Outside breeding, individuals remain inconspicuous and disperse through suitable wetlands.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, insect-like clicks and ticking notes, often delivered at dusk or at night. Calls can be repetitive and ventriloquial, making the bird hard to locate in dense marshes.
