The Talaud rail (Gymnocrex talaudensis) is a rare, ground-dwelling bird. Found only on a single island in Indonesia, this species is relatively new to science, having only been discovered in 1998. The Talaud rail has a distinctive red iris, contrasting with the characteristic patch of bare, silver-white skin behind each eye. The head, neck and breast of this species are a maroon-chestnut colour, while the upperparts are olive-green and the underparts are black (2).
This species has a long, yellow bill, yellow legs and slightly pink feet (2) (3). As with all species of rail, and most species of ground-dwelling bird, the Talaud rail has short wings and long legs (4).
Although the differences between the male and female Talaud rail are not known, the male tends to be larger in most rail species (4).
The vocalisations of the Talaud rail are reported as a deep ‘ump-ump-ump’ and a series of high-pitched ‘peet-peet-peet’ calls when alarmed (2) (3).
- Length: 33 - 35 cm (2)
- Bill length: 5.8 cm (3)