What is the avian family Rallidae commonly known as, and what are its general characteristics?

The avian family Rallidae is commonly known as rails. These birds constitute a large, cosmopolitan family of small- to medium-sized terrestrial and/or semi-amphibious species, exhibiting considerable diversity in their forms.

What are some ubiquitous species included within the Rallidae family?

The Rallidae family includes ubiquitous species such as crakes, coots, and gallinules. These are common types of rails found in various wetland environments.

What types of habitats are ideal for rails, particularly for nesting?

Ideal rail habitats are marsh areas, including rice paddies, flooded fields, or open forests. They are especially fond of dense vegetation for nesting, which provides cover and protection.

In which terrestrial habitats can members of the Rallidae family be found, and which regions are exceptions?

Members of the Rallidae family are found in every terrestrial habitat with the exception of dry deserts, polar or freezing regions, and alpine areas (above the snow line). They occur on every continent except Antarctica, demonstrating their widespread distribution.

What is the etymological origin of the name 'Rail' for these birds?

The name 'Rail' is an anglicized respelling of the French word 'râle,' which comes from Old French 'rasle.' It is named from its harsh cry, derived from Vulgar Latin '*rascula*', which relates to the Latin word 'rādere' meaning 'to scrape'.

What is the typical size and weight range for birds in the Rallidae family?

Rails vary in length from 12 to 63 cm (5 to 25 inches) and in weight from 20 to 3,000 g (0.7 oz to 6 lb 10 oz), showcasing a wide range of sizes within the family.

How does the bill vary among different species within the Rallidae family?

The bill is the most variable feature within the Rallidae family. It can be longer than the head, as seen in the clapper rail of the Americas; short and wide, as in coots; or massive, as in the purple gallinules.

What is a frontal shield, and which rail species is noted for having the most complex one?

A frontal shield is a fleshy, rearward extension of the upper bill found in a few coots and gallinules. The horned coot is noted for having the most complex frontal shield, which is a distinctive anatomical feature.

Do rails typically exhibit sexual dimorphism in plumage or size?

Rails generally exhibit very little sexual dimorphism in either plumage or size. However, the watercock (*Gallicrex cinerea*) and the little crake (*Zapornia parva*) are noted as exceptions to this general rule.

Describe the general characteristics of rail wings and their flight capabilities.

The wings of all rails are short and rounded. While their flight is not powerful, it can be sustained for long periods, enabling many species to migrate annually over considerable distances.

How has the weakness of rail flight contributed to their distribution on isolated oceanic islands?

The weakness of their flight means rails are easily blown off course, making them common vagrants. This characteristic has led them to colonize many isolated oceanic islands, often resulting in unique island species.

What is a common behavior observed in rails regarding movement, especially in dense habitats?

Rails often prefer to run rather than fly, especially when navigating through dense habitat. This terrestrial locomotion is supported by their strong legs and long toes.

When might some rail species become temporarily flightless?

Some rail species are flightless at certain times during their moult periods, which is when they shed and replace their feathers. This temporary flightlessness can make them more vulnerable.

Why is flightlessness in rails considered a prime example of parallel evolution?

Flightlessness in rails is considered one of the best examples of parallel evolution in the animal kingdom because 31 extant or recently extinct species evolved this trait independently from flying ancestors. Parallel evolution describes when similar traits evolve in different species that do not share a common ancestor, often due to similar environmental pressures.

What is the primary reason many island rails have evolved flightlessness?

Many island rails are flightless because small island habitats typically lack mammalian predators, eliminating the need for flight for escape or long-distance movement. This reduces the evolutionary pressure to maintain flight capabilities.

How does reducing flight muscles benefit flightless rails?

Reducing flight muscles, which can take up to 40% of a bird's weight, lowers metabolic demands and consequently reduces the flightless rail's energy expenditures. This energy conservation is crucial in environments with limited resources.

What advantage does energy conservation provide for flightless rails on islands?

Energy conservation, achieved through flightlessness, makes it easier for rails to survive and colonize islands where resources may be limited. This adaptation allows them to thrive in isolated ecosystems.

What morphological traits in rails contribute to their rapid loss of flight?

Rails have relatively small flight muscles and wings to begin with, with flight muscles making up only 12-17% of their body mass. This, combined with their terrestrial habits and behavioral flightlessness, significantly contributes to their remarkably fast loss of flight.

How quickly did the Laysan rail lose the power of flight?

The Laysan rail lost the power of flight and evolved reduced, stubby wings (only useful for balance when running) in as few as 125,000 years, demonstrating a rapid evolutionary change.

What climatic factor contributes to the evolution of flightlessness in rails?

A climate that does not necessitate seasonal long-distance migration contributes to the occurrence of flightlessness. This is evidenced by the tendency for flightlessness to evolve at a much greater rate in tropical islands compared to temperate or polar islands.

Which three small-massed rail species are known for their high dispersal ability among tropic Pacific islands?

The three small-massed rail species known for persistently high dispersal ability among tropic Pacific islands are *Gallirallus philippensis*, *Porphyrio porphyrio*, and *Porzana tabuensis*. These species are adept at colonizing new territories.

What has been a consequence of lowered energy expenditure in flightless island rails, and how has this changed with human presence?

Lowered energy expenditure in flightless island rails has been associated with the evolution of their 'tolerance' and 'approachability.' However, with human occupation and the introduction of predators over the past 5,000 to 35,000 years, this tolerance has reversed into wariness, making species susceptible to extinction.

What is the typical diet of Rallidae members?

Members of the Rallidae family are generally omnivorous generalists, meaning they consume a variety of foods. Many species eat invertebrates, as well as fruit or seedlings, though a few species are primarily herbivorous.

Describe the calls of Rallidae species and their function.

The calls of Rallidae species vary and are often quite loud, with some being whistle-like or squeak-like, while others seem unbirdlike. These loud calls are useful in dense vegetation or at night when seeing another member of the species is difficult, and some serve as territorial signals.

Where do most Rallidae species typically nest?

Most Rallidae species typically nest in dense vegetation. This provides concealment and protection for their eggs and young.

What are the general behavioral traits of most rail species?

Most rail species are shy, secretive, and difficult to observe. They walk and run vigorously on strong legs, possessing long toes that are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces, enabling them to navigate their marshy habitats effectively.

What are the smallest and largest known species within the Rallidae family, and what are their approximate sizes?

The smallest species within the Rallidae family is Swinhoe's rail, measuring 13 cm (5.1 inches) and weighing 25 g. The largest is the takahē, which is 65 cm (26 inches) long and weighs 2.7 kg (6.0 lb).

What other names are sometimes given to larger rail species?

Larger rail species are also sometimes given other names, such as gallinules and swamphens. Additionally, the black coots are a group of rails more adapted to open water environments.

What is the estimated number of island rail species that have become extinct due to human environmental changes?

An estimated several hundred species of island rails have become extinct because of human changes to the environment. This highlights the significant impact of human activity on these vulnerable populations.

What efforts are being made for endangered rail species?

Conservation organizations and governments continue to work to prevent the extinction of several island species of rails that remain endangered. These efforts often involve habitat protection and captive breeding programs.

What is generally known about the breeding behaviors of Rallidae species?

The breeding behaviors of many Rallidae species are poorly understood or unknown. Most are thought to be monogamous, although polygyny (one male with multiple females) and polyandry (one female with multiple males) have also been reported.

What is the typical clutch size for rails, and how long do chicks usually depend on their parents?

Rails most often lay five to 10 eggs, though clutches as small as one or as large as 15 eggs are known. Chicks become mobile after a few days and typically depend on their parents until fledging, which happens around one month old.

How have humans historically interacted with some larger and more abundant rail species?

Some larger, more abundant rail species have been hunted by humans, and their eggs collected for food. This practice has impacted their populations in certain areas.

Which rail species was hunted to extinction during World War II, and why?

The Wake Island rail was hunted to extinction by the starving Japanese garrison after the island was cut off from supply during World War II. This tragic event illustrates the direct impact of human conflict on wildlife.

Which two rail species have been considered pests by humans?

The common moorhen and the American purple gallinule have been considered pests by humans in certain contexts, likely due to their interactions with agricultural or managed environments.

Which specific introduced species have been responsible for the extinction of many island rails?

Terrestrial predators such as cats, foxes, weasels, mongooses, rats, and pigs, introduced by humans, have been responsible for the extinction of many island rails. These non-native predators often have devastating effects on naive island fauna.

Name two rail species that have shown modest recoveries due to conservation efforts.

The Lord Howe woodhen and the takahē are two rail species that have made modest recoveries due to the efforts of conservation organizations. These recoveries are often the result of intensive management and protection programs.

What specific threat did the Guam rail face, and what conservation measures were taken?

The Guam rail came perilously close to extinction due to the introduction of brown tree snakes to Guam. In response, some of the last remaining individuals were taken into captivity for breeding, and while breeding has been successful, reintroduction attempts have met with mixed results.

Who introduced the family Rallidae, and in what year?

The family Rallidae was introduced (as Rallia) by the French polymath Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1815. This marked a significant step in the scientific classification of these birds.

How has the Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy proposed to classify the Rallidae family?

The Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy, which has been widely accepted in America, proposes to raise the Rallidae family to ordinal level as the Ralliformes. This suggests a higher taxonomic rank for the group.

What other group might be included with rails if the Rallidae family were elevated to an ordinal level?

If the Rallidae family were elevated to an ordinal level, such a group would probably also include the Heliornithidae (finfoots and sungrebes). This is an exclusively tropical group that shows some convergent evolution with grebes.

What is the total number of living species and genera of rails maintained by the International Ornithological Committee (IOC)?

The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) maintains a list that contains 153 living species divided into 43 genera of rails. This committee is a leading authority in bird taxonomy.

What caused the extinction of the Ascension crake (genus *Mundia*)?

The Ascension crake, a flightless species endemic to a single island, became extinct by the early 1800s due to the introduction of cats and rats. These invasive predators overwhelmed the crake's defenses.

What led to the extinction of the Saint Helena rail (genus *Aphanocrex*)?

The Saint Helena rail, another flightless species from a single island, became extinct by the 1500s due to the introduction of cats and rats. This highlights a recurring pattern of extinction on islands.

What were the primary causes of the Hawkins's rail (genus *Diaphorapteryx*) extinction?

Hawkins's rail, a flightless species found on two islands, became extinct between 1500 and 1700 primarily due to overhunting. This demonstrates direct human impact through resource exploitation.

What factors contributed to the extinction of the Red rail (genus *Aphanapteryx*) of Mauritius?

The Red rail of Mauritius, a flightless species from a single island, became extinct by 1700 due to a combination of overhunting and the introduction of pigs, cats, and rats. This illustrates multiple pressures leading to extinction.

What caused the extinction of the Rodrigues rail (genus *Erythromachus*)?

The Rodrigues rail, a flightless species from a single island, became extinct by 1760 due to overhunting, destruction of its habitat by tortoise hunters, and the introduction of cats. This was a multi-faceted extinction event.

When did the Chatham rail and New Caledonian rail (genus *Cabalus*) become extinct?

The Chatham rail and New Caledonian rail, sometimes included in the genus *Gallirallus*, became extinct around 1900. These were island species that likely succumbed to similar pressures as other extinct rails.

The Enigmatic Rallidae

Exploring the diverse morphology, unique behaviors, and evolutionary paradoxes of this cosmopolitan avian family.

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Overview

A Cosmopolitan Avian Family

The Rallidae family, commonly known as rails, encompasses a large and globally distributed group of small- to medium-sized birds. This diverse family includes well-known species such as crakes, coots, and gallinules, alongside many rarer or endangered forms. Their presence spans nearly every terrestrial habitat, excluding only arid deserts, polar or freezing zones, and high alpine regions above the snow line. Members of Rallidae are found on every continent except Antarctica, with numerous unique island species highlighting their remarkable adaptability.^[2]

Preferred Habitats

Many rail species are intrinsically linked to wetland environments, with some exhibiting semi-aquatic tendencies akin to waterfowl, such as the coots. However, a significant number are wading birds or shorebirds. Their ideal habitats typically consist of marsh areas, including rice paddies, flooded fields, or open forests. These birds show a particular preference for dense vegetation, which provides crucial cover for nesting and protection.^[2]

Etymological Roots

The common name "rail" is an anglicized rendition of the Old French word "râle," which itself originates from the Vulgar Latin "*rascula." This term is derived from the Latin "rādere," meaning "to scrape," a reference to the characteristic harsh cry emitted by these birds.^[3]

Morphology

Size and Form Variation

Rails are characterized as ground-dwelling birds, exhibiting a considerable range in size. Their lengths can vary from a diminutive 12 cm (5 inches) to a substantial 63 cm (25 inches), with weights spanning from 20 grams (0.7 oz) to an impressive 3,000 grams (6 lb 10 oz). Many species possess elongated necks and are often noted for their laterally compressed bodies, a feature that aids their movement through dense vegetation.^[4]

Bill Diversity

The bill is arguably the most variable morphological trait within the Rallidae family. Some species, such as the clapper rail of the Americas, display bills longer than their heads. In contrast, coots feature short and broad bills, while purple gallinules possess massive ones.^[5] A distinctive feature in some coots and gallinules is a frontal shield, a fleshy extension of the upper bill that extends rearward. The horned coot, for instance, exhibits the most intricate form of this frontal shield.^[6]

Sexual Dimorphism

Generally, rails exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, meaning there are few discernible differences between males and females in terms of plumage or size. However, notable exceptions to this pattern include the watercock (Gallicrex cinerea) and the little crake (Zapornia parva), where sexual differences are more pronounced.^[7]

Flight & Flightlessness

Avian Locomotion

The wings of all rail species are characteristically short and rounded. While the flight of volant (flying) Rallidae members may not be exceptionally powerful, it can be sustained over extended periods, enabling many species to undertake annual migrations. However, the inherent weakness of their flight makes them susceptible to being blown off course, a factor that has paradoxically facilitated their colonization of numerous isolated oceanic islands. Furthermore, these birds frequently opt to run rather than fly, particularly within dense habitats. Some species also experience periods of temporary flightlessness during their moult cycles.^[8]

Parallel Evolution of Flightlessness

Flightlessness within the Rallidae family stands as a prime example of parallel evolution in the animal kingdom. Out of approximately 150 historically recognized rail species, 31 extant or recently extinct species independently evolved flightlessness from flying ancestors.^[9] This evolutionary trajectory has given rise to the unique populations of flightless rails observed on Pacific islands today.

Absence of Predators: Small island ecosystems often lack mammalian predators, diminishing the selective pressure for flight as an escape mechanism.^[9]
Energy Conservation: Flight is metabolically demanding, with the keel and flight muscles constituting up to 40% of a bird's body weight. Reducing these muscles and their associated metabolic requirements allows flightless rails to conserve energy, which is advantageous in resource-limited island environments.^[9]^[10]
Morphological Predisposition: Rails inherently possess relatively small flight muscles and wings, which typically account for only 12–17% of their total body mass. This, combined with their terrestrial habits and behavioral reluctance to fly, contributes significantly to their remarkably rapid loss of flight.^[9]^[13]
Climate Stability: Flightlessness is more prevalent on tropical islands, where a stable climate obviates the need for seasonal long-distance migrations, further reducing the selective pressure for flight.^[16]

The Laysan rail, for example, is estimated to have lost the power of flight and developed reduced, stubby wings (useful only for balance during rapid running) in as little as 125,000 years.^[15] Some researchers even suggest that the evolution of flightlessness in rails could be measured in generations rather than millennia.^[11]

Dispersal Paradox and Social Evolution

Despite their apparent aversion to flight, the evolution of flightless rails on isolated islands necessitates a high capacity for long-distance dispersal by their volant ancestors.^[13] Certain small-massed rail species, such as Gallirallus philippensis, Porphyrio porphyrio, and Porzana tabuensis, demonstrate a consistently high ability to disperse across vast distances among tropical Pacific islands. Interestingly, only the latter two gave rise to endemic flightless species throughout the Pacific Basin.^[17] Research into the phylogeny of G. philippensis indicates that the flightless condition evolved in rails even before speciation was complete, highlighting a complex evolutionary pathway.^[17]

A consequence of the reduced energy expenditure in flightless island rails has been linked to the evolution of increased "tolerance" and "approachability" in these species.^[16] This shift in behavior, potentially leading to kin-selecting altruistic phenomena, reallocates resources to produce fewer, more competitive offspring, benefiting the overall population. However, with human colonization of most islands over the past 5,000 to 35,000 years, this tolerance has unfortunately reversed into a heightened wariness of humans and introduced predators, rendering many species vulnerable to extinction.^[16]

Behavior & Ecology

Diet and Foraging

Members of the Rallidae family are generally omnivorous generalists, displaying a flexible diet. Many species consume a variety of invertebrates, alongside fruits and seedlings. A smaller subset of species are primarily herbivorous, adapting their diets to the available plant matter in their specific habitats.^[2]

Vocalizations

The calls of Rallidae species are highly varied and frequently quite loud. Some vocalizations are whistle-like or squeak-like, while others can sound distinctly unbirdlike.^[20] These loud calls serve a crucial function in dense vegetation or during nocturnal activity, where visual contact with other members of the species is challenging. Certain calls are also employed for territorial defense and communication.^[5]

Terrestrial Habits and Habitat Preference

The most characteristic members of this family inhabit dense vegetation within damp environments, typically near lakes, swamps, or rivers. Reed beds are a particularly favored habitat. Species that undertake migration do so under the cover of night. Most rails construct their nests within dense vegetation, contributing to their generally shy, secretive nature, which makes them challenging to observe in the wild. They are adept at walking and running vigorously on their strong legs, which are equipped with long toes well-suited for navigating soft, uneven surfaces.^[8]

Size and Naming Conventions

Reedbed species are often secretive (aside from their loud calls), crepuscular, and possess laterally flattened bodies. In the Old World, long-billed species are typically referred to as rails, while short-billed species are called crakes. In North America, however, species are generally termed rails irrespective of their bill length. The smallest known rail is Swinhoe's rail, measuring 13 cm (5.1 inches) and weighing 25 grams. Larger species may also be known by other names, such as coots (which are more adapted to open water) and gallinules or swamphens. The largest member of this group is the takahē, reaching 65 cm (26 inches) in length and weighing 2.7 kg (6.0 lb).

Reproduction

Breeding Systems

The breeding behaviors of many Rallidae species remain incompletely understood or entirely unknown. While most are presumed to be monogamous, instances of polygyny (one male mating with multiple females) and polyandry (one female mating with multiple males) have also been documented within the family.^[24]

Clutch Size and Development

Typically, rails lay clutches consisting of five to ten eggs. However, clutch sizes can vary significantly, with records ranging from as few as one egg to as many as fifteen.^[24] It is not uncommon for egg clutches to hatch asynchronously. Chicks achieve mobility within a few days of hatching, but generally remain dependent on their parents until they fledge, a developmental stage usually reached around one month of age.^[6]

Rallidae & Humans

Human Interaction and Exploitation

Some of the larger and more abundant rail species have historically been hunted for food, and their eggs collected. A tragic example is the Wake Island rail, which was hunted to extinction by the starving Japanese garrison after the island's supply lines were severed during World War II.^[26] Furthermore, certain species, such as the common moorhen and the American purple gallinule, have occasionally been regarded as agricultural pests.^[25]

Threats and Conservation Challenges

Rails have disproportionately suffered from human-induced environmental changes. Their inherent tendency towards flightlessness has rendered many island species particularly vulnerable to introduced predators. The most severe human-caused extinctions occurred in the Pacific Ocean as people colonized the islands of Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. During this period, an estimated 750–1800 bird species became extinct, with approximately half of these being rails.^[27]

While many island rail species remain endangered, conservation organizations and governments are actively working to prevent further extinctions. Notable examples include:

The Lord Howe woodhen and the takahē, which have shown modest recoveries due to dedicated conservation efforts.
The Guam rail faced imminent extinction following the introduction of brown tree snakes to Guam. However, some of the last remaining individuals were brought into captivity and have successfully bred. Although reintroduction attempts have yielded mixed results, these programs offer a glimmer of hope for the species.^[28]^[29]^[30]

Critical Concern: The introduction of terrestrial predators such as cats, foxes, weasels, mongooses, rats, and pigs has been a primary driver of extinction for many flightless island rail species.

Systematics & Evolution

Taxonomic History

The Rallidae family was formally introduced (as Rallia) by the French polymath Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1815.^[31]^[32] Traditionally, this family has been grouped within the order Gruiformes, alongside larger birds like cranes and bustards, as well as several smaller families of typically "primitive" midsized amphibious birds. The alternative Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy, widely accepted in America, elevates the family to an ordinal level as the Ralliformes. Given the ongoing uncertainties regarding gruiform monophyly, this reclassification may be justified, potentially including the Heliornithidae (finfoots and sungrebes), a tropical group exhibiting convergent evolution with grebes, often united with rails in the Ralli.^[7]

Phylogenetic Relationships

Recent phylogenomic reconstructions, based on ultra-conserved elements, have significantly clarified the evolutionary relationships and timescale of rails and their allies (Ralloidea). These studies have provided the foundation for a revised classification of the Rallidae family.^[1] The family is broadly divided into several subfamilies and tribes, reflecting distinct evolutionary lineages. For instance, the Rallinae subfamily includes tribes such as Pardirallini and Rallini, while the Himantornithinae subfamily encompasses Himantornithini, Fulicini, Porphyrionini, Laterallini, Zapornini, and Amaurornithini.^[1]^[7]^[33]

The Rallidae family is broadly structured into two main subfamilies, each containing several tribes:

Rallinae Subfamily

Pardirallini: Includes genera like Anurolimnas (chestnut-headed crake), Mustelirallus (crakes), Pardirallus (rails), Amaurolimnas (uniform crake), and Aramides (rails).
Rallini: Comprises genera such as Rallus (typical rails), Crecopsis (African crake), Rougetius (Rouget's rail), Dryolimnas (rails), Crex (corn crake), Lewinia (rails), Aptenorallus (Calayan rail), Habroptila (invisible rail), Gallirallus (weka), Eulabeornis (chestnut rail), and Hypotaenidia (Austropacific rails and woodhen).

Himantornithinae Subfamily

Himantornithini: Contains the genus Himantornis (Nkulengu rail).
Fulicini: Includes genera like Porzana (crakes and sora), Tribonyx (nativehens), Paragallinula (lesser moorhen), Gallinula (moorhens), and Fulica (coots).
Porphyrionini: Features the genus Porphyrio (swamphens, gallinules, and takahes).
Laterallini: Encompasses genera such as Rufirallus (crakes), Coturnicops (rails), and Laterallus (crakes and rails).
Zapornini: Includes Zapornia (rails and crakes) and Rallina (crakes).
Amaurornithini: Contains genera like Megacrex (New Guinea flightless rail), Poliolimnas (white-browed crake), Aenigmatolimnas (striped crake), Gallicrex (watercock), and Amaurornis (waterhen and bush-hens).

Extant Genera

Living Diversity

The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) currently recognizes 153 extant species distributed across 43 genera within the Rallidae family.^[34] This remarkable diversity highlights the family's evolutionary success and adaptability to a wide array of ecological niches.

Canirallus – grey-throated rail
Anurolimnas – chestnut-headed crake
Mustelirallus – (4 species)
Pardirallus (3 species)
Amaurolimnas – uniform crake
Aramides – wood rails (8 species)
Rallus – typical rails (14 species)
Crecopsis – African crake
Rougetius – Rouget's rail
Dryolimnas – (1 living species, 1 recently extinct)
Crex – corn crake
Aramidopsis – snoring rail
Lewinia – (4 species)
Aptenorallus – Calayan rail
Habroptila – invisible rail
Gallirallus – weka
Eulabeornis – chestnut rail
Cabalus – (1 possibly extinct species, 1 recently extinct)
Hypotaenidia – Austropacific rails (8 living species, 4 recently extinct)
Porphyriops – spot-flanked gallinule
Porzana – (3 species)
Tribonyx – nativehens (2 species)
Paragallinula – lesser moorhen
Gallinula – moorhens (5 living species, 2 recently extinct)
Fulica – coots (10 living species, one recently extinct)
Porphyrio – swamphens and purple gallinules (10 living species, 2 recently extinct)
Rufirallus – (5 species)
Coturnicops – (2 species)
Laterallus – (11 species)
Zapornia – (10 living species, 5 recently extinct)
Rallina – (4 species)
Gymnocrex – (3 species)
Himantornis – Nkulengu rail
Megacrex – New Guinea flightless rail
Poliolimnas – white-browed crake
Aenigmatolimnas – striped crake
Gallicrex – watercock
Amaurornis – bush-hens (5 species)

Recently Extinct Genera

Lost Species

The Rallidae family has unfortunately seen a significant number of extinctions, particularly among island species, largely due to human activities and the introduction of non-native predators. These recently extinct genera represent a poignant loss to global biodiversity.

Mundia – Ascension crake (flightless, single island, lost by early 1800s to introduced cats and rats)
Aphanocrex – Saint Helena rail (flightless, single island, lost by 1500s to introduced cats and rats)
Diaphorapteryx – Hawkins's rail (flightless, two islands, lost between 1500 and 1700 to overhunting)
Aphanapteryx – Red rail (flightless, single island, lost by 1700 to overhunting and introduced pigs, cats and rats)
Erythromachus – Rodrigues rail (flightless, single island, lost by 1760 to overhunting, destruction of habitat by tortoise hunters, and introduced cats)
Genus Cabalus – Chatham rail and New Caledonian rail (sometimes included in Gallirallus; extinct around 1900)
Genus Capellirallus – Snipe-rail (flightless, single island, lost by no later than 1400s to introduced rats)
Genus Vitirallus – Viti Levu rail (flightless, single island, lost by no later than early Holocene)
Genus Hovacrex – Hova gallinule (flight ability uncertain, single island, lost by no later than Late Pleistocene)

Additionally, the undescribed Fernando de Noronha rail, of undetermined genus and species, survived into historic times. The extinct genus Nesotrochis from the Greater Antilles was once considered a rail but is now recognized as an independent lineage of gruiforms, more closely related to Sarothruridae and adzebills.

Fossil Record

Ancient Lineages

The fossil record of long-extinct prehistoric rails is extensively documented, particularly from well-researched geological formations in Europe and North America, as well as from less comprehensively studied strata in other regions.^[35] These fossil discoveries provide invaluable insights into the deep evolutionary history and diversification of the Rallidae family.

Genus Eocrex (Wasatch Early Eocene of Steamboat Springs, USA; Late Eocene – ?Oligocene of Isfara, Tadzhikistan)
Genus Palaeorallus (Wasatch Early Eocene of Wyoming, USA)
Genus Parvirallus (Early – Middle Eocene of England)
Genus Aletornis (Bridger Middle Eocene of Uinta County, USA) – includes Protogrus^[36]
Genus Fulicaletornis (Bridger Middle Eocene of Henry's Fork, USA)
Genus Latipons (Middle Eocene of Lee-on-Solent, England)
Genus Ibidopsis (Hordwell Late Eocene of Hordwell, UK)
Genus Quercyrallus (Late Eocene -? Late Oligocene of France)
Genus Belgirallus (Early Oligocene of WC Europe)
Genus Rallicrex (Corbula Middle/Late Oligocene of Kolzsvár, Romania)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Late Oligocene of Billy-Créchy, France) – a small species of rail^[37]
Genus Palaeoaramides (Late Oligocene/Early Miocene – Late Miocene of France)
Genus Rhenanorallus (Late Oligocene/Early Miocene of Mainz Basin, Germany)
Genus Paraortygometra (Late Oligocene/?Early Miocene -? Middle Miocene of France) – includes Microrallus
Genus Australlus (Late Oligocene – Middle Miocene of NW Queensland, Australia)
Genus Pararallus (Late Oligocene? – Late Miocene of C Europe) – possibly belongs in Palaeoaramides
Genus Litorallus (Early Miocene of New Zealand)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Bathans Early/Middle Miocene of Otago, New Zealand) – dozens of mostly broken isolated skull and limb bones of a rail or crake^[38]
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Bathans Early/Middle Miocene of Otago, New Zealand) – quadrate and 2 femora of a large rail or crake^[39]
Genus Miofulica (Anversian Black Sand Middle Miocene of Antwerp, Belgium)
Genus Miorallus (Middle Miocene of Sansan, France -? Late Miocene of Rudabánya, Hungary)
Genus Youngornis (Shanwang Middle Miocene of Linqu, China)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Sajóvölgyi Middle Miocene of Mátraszőlős, Hungary) – several limb bones of a smallish rail^[40]
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Middle Miocene of Grive-Saint-Alban, France) – partial hand of a common moorhen-sized rail^[41]
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Late Miocene of Lemoyne Quarry, USA)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. UMMP V55013-55014; UMMP V55012/V45750/V45746 (Rexroad Late Pliocene of Saw Rock Canyon, USA)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. UMMP V29080 (Rexroad Late Pliocene of Fox Canyon, USA)
Genus Creccoides (Blanco Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene of Crosby County, USA)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Bermuda, West Atlantic)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (formerly Fulica podagrica) (Late Pleistocene of Barbados)^[42]
Genus Pleistorallus (mid-Pleistocene New Zealand). The holotype of Pleistorallus flemingi is housed in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.^[43]^[44]

Doubtfully Placed Taxa

Some fossil taxa have been tentatively associated with the Rallidae family, but their precise phylogenetic placement remains uncertain. Further research and fossil discoveries are often required to definitively classify these enigmatic ancient birds.

Genus Ludiortyx (Late Eocene) – includes "Tringa" hoffmanni, "Palaeortyx" blanchardi, "P." hoffmanni
Genus Telecrex (Irdin Manha Late Eocene of Chimney Butte, China)
Genus Amitabha (Bridger middle Eocene of Forbidden City, USA) – possibly a phasianid?
Genus Palaeocrex (Early Oligocene of Trigonias Quarry, USA)
Genus Rupelrallus (Early Oligocene of Germany)
Neornithes incerta sedis (Late Oligocene of Riversleigh, Australia) – a left carpometacarpus piece of a bird about the size of Lewin's rail. Probably from a rail, but too damaged for precise affiliation.^[45]
Genus Euryonotus (Pleistocene of Argentina)

The presumed scolopacid wader Limosa gypsorum (Montmartre Late Eocene of France) is occasionally considered a rail and subsequently placed in the genus Montirallus.^[46]

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References

Partial hand of a common moorhen-sized rail: Ballmann (1969)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Rail (bird) Wikipedia page

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The Enigmatic Rallidae

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🌍 A Cosmopolitan Avian Family

💧 Preferred Habitats

🗣️ Etymological Roots

Morphology 🔬

📏 Size and Form Variation

🐦 Bill Diversity

⚖️ Sexual Dimorphism

Flight & Flightlessness ✈️

💨 Avian Locomotion

🧬 Parallel Evolution of Flightlessness

🌊 Dispersal Paradox and Social Evolution

Behavior & Ecology 🌿

🍽️ Diet and Foraging

🔊 Vocalizations

🚶 Terrestrial Habits and Habitat Preference

📏 Size and Naming Conventions

Reproduction 🥚

💑 Breeding Systems

🐣 Clutch Size and Development

Rallidae & Humans 🚨

🍽️ Human Interaction and Exploitation

📉 Threats and Conservation Challenges

Systematics & Evolution 🧬

📜 Taxonomic History

🌳 Phylogenetic Relationships

Rallinae Subfamily

Himantornithinae Subfamily

Extant Genera 🌱

🌿 Living Diversity

Recently Extinct Genera 💔

👻 Lost Species

Fossil Record 🦴

🕰️ Ancient Lineages

❓ Doubtfully Placed Taxa

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Cosmopolitan Avian Family

Preferred Habitats

Etymological Roots

Morphology

Size and Form Variation

Bill Diversity

Sexual Dimorphism

Flight & Flightlessness

Avian Locomotion

Parallel Evolution of Flightlessness

Dispersal Paradox and Social Evolution

Behavior & Ecology

Diet and Foraging

Vocalizations

Terrestrial Habits and Habitat Preference

Size and Naming Conventions

Reproduction

Breeding Systems

Clutch Size and Development

Rallidae & Humans

Human Interaction and Exploitation

Threats and Conservation Challenges

Systematics & Evolution

Taxonomic History

Phylogenetic Relationships

Extant Genera

Living Diversity

Recently Extinct Genera

Lost Species

Fossil Record

Ancient Lineages

Doubtfully Placed Taxa

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice