Reunion Rail vs African Rail

Dryolimnas augusti compared with Rallus caerulescens

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Reunion Rail African Rail
Scientific Name Dryolimnas augusti Rallus caerulescens
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Extinct Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 23.8 cm (9.4 in)
Weight 160.25 g (5.65 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-6
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Reunion Rail only

None

African Rail only

Conservation Status

Extinct

Reunion Rail

Least Concern

African Rail

About These Birds

Reunion Rail

Reunion Rail (Dryolimnas augusti). Extinct. A flightless rail formerly endemic to Réunion Island, Indian Ocean. Known only from sub-fossil bones; estimated around 35 cm. Closely related to the White-throated Rail. Extinct by the 18th century, likely due to introduced rats, pigs and hunting by early settlers.

African Rail

African Rail (Rallus caerulescens), 28 cm. Brown above with dark streaks; blue-grey underparts; barred white flanks; red bill and legs. Found in freshwater reedbeds and swamp margins across sub-Saharan Africa. Omnivore. Least Concern; common in wetland habitat.

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family