Buff-banded Rail at Forde?

["Philip Veerman" <>]

I wouldn't think that not noticing white spots on the back would (ever) be a main reason for deciding between these 2 species (when 1 is rare in our region and the viewing was short). It is hardly an obvious feature compared to many other features. It is regular on many birds that white tips to feathers can wear off in worn plumage (I don't know about this species). Also Lewin's Rail has some white edges to wing coverts, so that is not a big difference.

 

Philip

 

-----Original Message-----From: John Brown [ Sent: Thursday, 16 January 2014 1:47 PM      To: COG Chatline
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Buff-banded Rail at Forde?

 

I strongly suspect this is the same bird I reported to this list that I saw at Forde ponds on 4th Jan, which I (apparently incorrectly) concluded was probably a Lewin's Rail:

 

On 4/1/2014 I wrote:

I am fairly confident I saw a Lewin's Rail in Forde this afternoon, on the side of the bike path at -35.172175, 149.146030 (I was riding to Mulligan's Flat)

 

I jumped off my bike and followed in around a bit without binoculars or a camera at hand. I didn't get a good look at its head, bill or front, but there was clearly no white at all on its back, rather distinctive Rufous/brown and black feathers; also barred under tail, so I am pretty confident.  

 

You'll notice that part of the reason I went for Lewin's rail was that "there was clearly no white at all on its back". I have just checked again and my field guides all show and describe the Buff-Banded Rail as having (e.g.) "Upperparts … edged with white spots" (Simon and Day).

 

I agree that the bird in you photos is clearly a Buff-Banded Rail based on its facial/neck markings. But am intrigued by the similar lack of feathers "edged with white spots" on its back as in the bird I observed. Either this is not a universal characteristic, or is at least not as obvious as the guides suggest it to be.

 

John

 

 From: Julie Clark [ Sent: Thursday, 16 January 2014 12:48 PM      To: COG Chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] Buff-banded Rail at Forde?

 

Hi All,

 

This morning I sat and watched what I think was a Buff-banded Rail at Forde ... hiding and re-appearing for some time ... at a considerable distance...

 

Having never seen one before, confirmation would be great!

 

Many thanks and stay cool

 

Cheers

Julie
--

Julie Clark