Mascarene Coot vs African Rail

Fulica newtonii compared with Rallus caerulescens

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Mascarene Coot African Rail
Scientific Name Fulica newtonii 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

Mascarene Coot only

None

African Rail only

Conservation Status

Extinct

Mascarene Coot

Least Concern

African Rail

About These Birds

Mascarene Coot

Mascarene Coot (Fulica newtonii) is an extinct giant coot formerly inhabiting Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Larger than Eurasian Coot; likely flightless or near-flightless. Extirpated by hunting and introduced predators in the 17th–18th centuries. Known from subfossil remains and written accounts by early European visitors.

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