African Rail vs Miller's Rail

Rallus caerulescens compared with Zapornia nigra

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Rail Miller's Rail
Scientific Name Rallus caerulescens Zapornia nigra
Order Gruiformes Gruiformes
Family Rallidae Rallidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Extinct
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

African Rail only

Miller's Rail only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Rail

Extinct

Miller's Rail

About These Birds

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.

Miller's Rail

Miller's Rail (Zapornia nigra) is an extinct flightless rail formerly endemic to Tahiti and neighboring Society Islands, French Polynesia. Known only from subfossil bones described in the 20th century. Presumed extirpated following Polynesian arrival around 1,000 years ago.

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