About the Auckland Rail
The Auckland rail, also known as the Auckland Island rail or Auckland Islands rail is a small nearly flightless rail endemic to the Auckland Islands 460 km south of New Zealand. It is somewhat of a biogeographical anomaly, being the only species in the genus Lewinia to have reached the islands of New Zealand, skipping over the main islands to reach the remote Auckland islands group. Its closest relative is Lewin's rail of Australia. The species is currently restricted to two islands in the Auckland islands group, Adams Island and Disappointment Island.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Auckland rail is a small rail with chestnut back plumage and a grey breast. The flanks are barred black and white and the head is red-brown, with a red bill. It is smaller than the Australian Lewin's rail. There are conflicting reports about its ability to fly. Early accounts suggested it could; recent researchers have found little evidence for this. If the species is able to fly, it does so very infrequently. Auckland rails have a variety of calls, the most common being a crex call made at one second intervals 10 or more times in a row. The function of the calls is unknown.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Learn the Auckland Rail for real
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