Woodford's rail

Woodford's rail, also known as the Guadalcanal 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

Solomon Islands

Typical Environment

Occurs on Guadalcanal, where it favors dense lowland and foothill rainforest with thick ground cover. It also uses secondary growth, forest edges, riverine thickets, and overgrown gardens adjacent to forest. The species is highly secretive, keeping to tangles of vines, buttress roots, and fallen logs while foraging on the forest floor. It generally avoids open habitats and heavily disturbed areas.

Altitude Range

0–1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size28–34 cm

Wing Span45–55 cm

Male Weight0.26 kg

Female Weight0.24 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Endemic to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, Woodford's rail is a shy, ground-dwelling rail that is most often detected by its loud calls at dusk and dawn. It inhabits dense forest and is threatened by logging, hunting, and introduced predators. Taxonomy has shifted over time among rail genera such as Gallirallus, Nesoclopeus, and Hypotaenidia. Conservation attention focuses on safeguarding intact forest and controlling invasive mammals.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and wary

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that prefers to run through cover

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest. Nests are placed on or near the ground concealed in vegetation, with both sexes likely sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Clutches are small, and chicks are precocial, following adults soon after hatching.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include sharp squeals, grunts, and repeated hoots, often given at dusk and dawn. Pairs may duet, with calls carrying far through dense forest. Alarm notes are harsh and rapid.

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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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