Nkulengu Rail vs African Rail

Himantornis haematopus compared with Rallus caerulescens

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Nkulengu Rail African Rail
Scientific Name Himantornis haematopus Rallus caerulescens
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 41.6 cm (16.4 in) 23.8 cm (9.4 in)
Weight 589.75 g (20.80 oz) 160.25 g (5.65 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3 2-6
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Nkulengu Rail only

African Rail only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Nkulengu Rail

Least Concern

African Rail

About These Birds

Nkulengu Rail

Nkulengu Rail (Himantornis haematopus) is a large 30–35 cm, distinctive rail of west and central African rainforests. Brown above; buffy underparts with dark bars; reddish legs and feet. Inhabits dense lowland rainforest floor, often near streams or swampy forest. One of the most forest-adapted African rails; secretive and rarely seen.

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.

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