Plain-flanked rail: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Species of bird}}
{{short description|Species of bird}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2022}}

{{speciesbox
{{speciesbox
| image =
| image =
| status = EN
| status = EN
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2016 |title=''Rallus wetmorei'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T22692476A93355035 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22692476A93355035.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2016 |title=Plain-flanked Rail ''Rallus wetmorei'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T22692476A93355035 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22692476A93355035.en |access-date=22 November 2022}}</ref>
| genus = Rallus
| genus = Rallus
| species = wetmorei
| species = wetmorei
Line 10: Line 12:
| synonyms =
| synonyms =
| range_map = Rallus wetmorei map.svg
| range_map = Rallus wetmorei map.svg

}}
}}


The '''plain-flanked rail''' ('''''Rallus wetmorei''''') is an [[Endangered species (IUCN status)|Endangered]] species of [[bird]] in subfamily Rallinae of family [[Rallidae]], the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is [[endemic]] to [[Venezuela]].<ref name=IOC12.2>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/flufftails/ |title=Finfoots, flufftails, rails, trumpeters, cranes, Limpkin |website=IOC World Bird List |version =v 12.2 |editor-last1=Gill |editor-first1= F. |editor-last2=Donsker|editor-first2=D.|editor-last3=Rasmussen |editor-first3=P. |date=August 2022 |access-date=August 9, 2022 }}</ref><ref name=HBW2021>HBW and BirdLife International (2021) Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International digital checklist of the birds of the world. Version 6. Available at: http://datazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/Species/Taxonomy/HBW-BirdLife_Checklist_v6_Dec21.zip retrieved August 7, 2022</ref>
The '''plain-flanked rail''' (''Rallus wetmorei'') is a species of [[bird]] in the family [[Rallidae]].
It is [[endemic]] to [[Venezuela]].


==Taxonomy and systematics==
Its natural [[habitat]]s are subtropical or tropical mangrove [[forest]]s and coastal saline [[lagoon]]s.

It is threatened by [[habitat loss]].
The plain-flanked rail has been suggested to be [[conspecific]] with the [[mangrove rail]] (''R. longirostris'') but this treatment has not been accepted by major taxonomic systems because the two do not interbreed where their ranges overlap. The plain-flanked rail is [[monotypic]].<ref name=IOC12.2/><ref name=SACClist>Remsen, J. V., Jr., J. I. Areta, E. Bonaccorso, S. Claramunt, A. Jaramillo, D. F. Lane, J. F. Pacheco, M. B. Robbins, F. G. Stiles, and K. J. Zimmer. Version 24 July 2022. A classification of the bird species of South America. American Ornithological Society. https://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm retrieved July 24, 2022</ref>

==Description==

The plain-flanked rail is about {{convert|33|cm|in|abbr=on}} long. It has a brown bill. The sexes are alike. Adults have dull gray-brown upperparts with darker centers to the feathers. They have a white [[Lore (anatomy)|loral]] streak on their gray-brown face and a whitish throat. Their underparts are brown with no barring.<ref name=PFRA-BOW>Taylor, B., P. F. D. Boesman, C. J. Sharpe, and E. de Juana (2020). Plain-flanked Rail (''Rallus wetmorei''), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.plfrai1.01 retrieved November 22, 2022</ref>

==Distribution and habitat==

The plain-flanked rail is known from only a few locations on the Caribbean coast of Venezuela between eastern Falcón and western Aragua states. It primarily inhabits coastal mangroves and has also been found in emergent vegetation of brackish and saltwater lagoons and marshes.<ref name=PFRA-BOW/>

==Behavior==
===Movement===

The plain-flanked rail is apparently sedentary.<ref name=PFRA-BOW/>

===Feeding===

Nothing is known about the plain-flanked rail's foraging behavior or diet. Both are assumed to be similar to those of the mangrove rail, which inhabits similar landscapes. That species has a very diverse diet that includes animal prey such as crustaceans (especially crabs and crayfish), molluscs, leeches, aquatic and terrestrial insects, fish, and amphibians. It also feeds on plant matter such as seeds, berries, and tubers, especially in winter.<ref name=PFRA-BOW/><ref name=MARA-BOW>Taylor, B. and D. A. Christie (2020). Mangrove Rail (''Rallus longirostris''), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.manrai1.01 retrieved November 22, 2022</ref>

===Breeding===

The plain-flanked rail's breeding season is not known in detail but includes both April and May. A few nests have been discovered; they were platforms of twigs and leaves placed on mangrove roots or in mangrove trees. Clutch sizes of four to seven eggs have been noted. Both members of a pair incubate the eggs. The incubation period and time to fledging are not known.<ref name=PFRA-BOW/>

{{birdsong|url=https://xeno-canto.org/species/Rallus-wetmorei |species=plain-flanked rail}}
===Vocalization===

The plain-flanked rail's "advertising call" is "a series of loud, rapid 'kek-kek-kek...kek-kek-kek' notes" that are given in duet and preceded by "soft growling 'grrrrr' calls". Courting males make "a series of evenly spaced harsh 'kek' notes". The species also makes a grunting call.<ref name=PFRA-BOW/>

==Status==

The [[IUCN]] originally assessed the plain-flanked rail in 1988 as Threatened; from 1994 it has been classed as Endangered. It has a very small range and an estimated population of 50 to 200 mature individuals that is believed to be decreasing. Its mangrove habitat continues to be destroyed by development for tourism and what remains is also threatened by domestic and industrial pollution.<ref name=IUCN/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=2866&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet.]


{{Taxonbar|from=Q1268685}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1268685}}
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[[Category:Birds described in 1944]]
[[Category:Birds described in 1944]]
[[Category:Taxa named by John T. Zimmer]]
[[Category:Taxa named by John T. Zimmer]]
[[Category:Endemic birds of Venezuela]]
[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]]
[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]]


{{Gruiformes-stub}}

Latest revision as of 00:07, 11 August 2023

Plain-flanked rail
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Genus: Rallus
Species:
R. wetmorei
Binomial name
Rallus wetmorei
Zimmer & Phelps, 1944

The plain-flanked rail (Rallus wetmorei) is an Endangered species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is endemic to Venezuela.[2][3]

Taxonomy and systematics[edit]

The plain-flanked rail has been suggested to be conspecific with the mangrove rail (R. longirostris) but this treatment has not been accepted by major taxonomic systems because the two do not interbreed where their ranges overlap. The plain-flanked rail is monotypic.[2][4]

Description[edit]

The plain-flanked rail is about 33 cm (13 in) long. It has a brown bill. The sexes are alike. Adults have dull gray-brown upperparts with darker centers to the feathers. They have a white loral streak on their gray-brown face and a whitish throat. Their underparts are brown with no barring.[5]

Distribution and habitat[edit]

The plain-flanked rail is known from only a few locations on the Caribbean coast of Venezuela between eastern Falcón and western Aragua states. It primarily inhabits coastal mangroves and has also been found in emergent vegetation of brackish and saltwater lagoons and marshes.[5]

Behavior[edit]

Movement[edit]

The plain-flanked rail is apparently sedentary.[5]

Feeding[edit]

Nothing is known about the plain-flanked rail's foraging behavior or diet. Both are assumed to be similar to those of the mangrove rail, which inhabits similar landscapes. That species has a very diverse diet that includes animal prey such as crustaceans (especially crabs and crayfish), molluscs, leeches, aquatic and terrestrial insects, fish, and amphibians. It also feeds on plant matter such as seeds, berries, and tubers, especially in winter.[5][6]

Breeding[edit]

The plain-flanked rail's breeding season is not known in detail but includes both April and May. A few nests have been discovered; they were platforms of twigs and leaves placed on mangrove roots or in mangrove trees. Clutch sizes of four to seven eggs have been noted. Both members of a pair incubate the eggs. The incubation period and time to fledging are not known.[5]

Dickcissel male perched on a metal pole singing, with neck stretched and beak open.

Songs and calls
Listen to plain-flanked rail on xeno-canto

Vocalization[edit]

The plain-flanked rail's "advertising call" is "a series of loud, rapid 'kek-kek-kek...kek-kek-kek' notes" that are given in duet and preceded by "soft growling 'grrrrr' calls". Courting males make "a series of evenly spaced harsh 'kek' notes". The species also makes a grunting call.[5]

Status[edit]

The IUCN originally assessed the plain-flanked rail in 1988 as Threatened; from 1994 it has been classed as Endangered. It has a very small range and an estimated population of 50 to 200 mature individuals that is believed to be decreasing. Its mangrove habitat continues to be destroyed by development for tourism and what remains is also threatened by domestic and industrial pollution.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b BirdLife International (2016). "Plain-flanked Rail Rallus wetmorei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22692476A93355035. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22692476A93355035.en. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b Gill, F.; Donsker, D.; Rasmussen, P., eds. (August 2022). "Finfoots, flufftails, rails, trumpeters, cranes, Limpkin". IOC World Bird List. v 12.2. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  3. ^ HBW and BirdLife International (2021) Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International digital checklist of the birds of the world. Version 6. Available at: http://datazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/Species/Taxonomy/HBW-BirdLife_Checklist_v6_Dec21.zip retrieved August 7, 2022
  4. ^ Remsen, J. V., Jr., J. I. Areta, E. Bonaccorso, S. Claramunt, A. Jaramillo, D. F. Lane, J. F. Pacheco, M. B. Robbins, F. G. Stiles, and K. J. Zimmer. Version 24 July 2022. A classification of the bird species of South America. American Ornithological Society. https://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm retrieved July 24, 2022
  5. ^ a b c d e f Taylor, B., P. F. D. Boesman, C. J. Sharpe, and E. de Juana (2020). Plain-flanked Rail (Rallus wetmorei), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.plfrai1.01 retrieved November 22, 2022
  6. ^ Taylor, B. and D. A. Christie (2020). Mangrove Rail (Rallus longirostris), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.manrai1.01 retrieved November 22, 2022
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