Below are 4 Chestnut-bandeds (a current Forde bird on upper left) with snaps of Lewin’s from elsewhere. The 3 on upper right are from video, being the celebrated bird from Cth Park some years ago, others being a bird from Kellys in Feb 2010. They can look a similar colour in dull light and size may not be a good guide. Certainly Chestnut-bands vary a lot in size. The white eyebrow is certainly a very good distinguishing feature. However, even at a distance the head and bill are quite different. Although not much different in absolute terms the Lewin’s looks longer and quite curved, in fact with that small rounded head it can look something like a kiwi rather than a typical rail.
