All Animals

Buff-Banded Rail

Gallirallus philippensis assimilis
Bird

Step into the world of our buff-banded rails and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures

A buff-banded rail perched among ferns

The buff-banded rails are not often spotted because they blend in well with wetland vegetation. They are medium-sized birds with a long, sturdy reddish-brown bill, a light grey eyebrow stripe, dark red eyes, pinkish legs, and cheeks, and a wide buff-orange band on the breast. They also have an eye stripe that extends from the bill to the nape, an olive-brown crown and back, and black streaking on the back with white spots. Banded rails are not frequent fliers, but they can cover long distances, mostly flying at night.

Quick facts

Distribution:

Australasia and Pacific countries

Habitat:

Freshwater wetlands

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Fun fact

Around 80 - 90% of the buff-banded rail population in New Zealand is concentrated around estuaries in the upper North Island

Frequently asked questions

Buff-banded rails have a diverse diet that includes crustaceans, molluscs, insects, seeds, fruit, and frogs. This varied diet allows them to thrive in a wide range of habitats.

Buff-banded rails typically lay between four to six eggs. These eggs are incubated for about 20 to 25 days before hatching, ensuring that the chicks are well-developed and ready to explore their environment.

The lifespan of buff-banded rails is currently unknown.

Buff-banded rails face many predators, including cats, dogs, mustelids (the family of animals including weasels and stoats), and rats.

Meet our birds