About the African Rail
The African rail, sometimes also Kaffir rail, is a small wetland bird of the rail family that is found in eastern and southern Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adults are 27–28 cm (10.6–11.0 in) long, and have mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey underparts, with black-and-white barring on the flanks and undertail. The sexes have similar plumage but the female is smaller. This is the only Rallus species with a plain back. The body is flattened laterally to allow easier passage through the reeds. They have long toes, a short tail and a long slim dull red bill. The legs are red. Immature birds are similar to the adults, but the blue-grey is replaced by buff. They are noisy birds, with a trilled whistled treee-tee-tee-tee-tee call.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Congo - Brazzaville, Congo - Kinshasa.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Brown-cheeked RailRallus indicusThe species differs from the slightly smaller nominate form through its paler upperparts, brown-tinged underparts and a brown stripe through the eye.
Bogota RailRallus semiplumbeusThe Bogotá rail is a typical member of the genus Rallus, with a long and slightly decurved bill, a plump body, and a short tail.
Mangrove RailRallus longirostrisThe mangrove rail is about 33 cm (13 in) long and weighs 260 to 310 g (9.2 to 11 oz).
Learn the African Rail for real
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