Rascón pizarroso

1. Nombre del ave
English name: Slaty-breasted Rail
Scientific (Latin) name: Lewinia striata

2. Aspecto
Slaty-breasted Rails are an intriguing species to observe with grey undertone feathers and striking striped belly patterns. This bird showcases a pale blue iris and a distinctive short, stout bill, suitable for consumption of a varied diet. An adult’s dominant upper parts are grey-brown to blackish with fine white streaks and bars, giving the bird its ‘slaty-breasted’ title. Males and females are physically similar, with both sexes consisting of dark chestnut colored back, wings, and tail.

3. Tamaño
With an average length between 23 and 28 cm (9–11 inches), Slaty-breasted Rails are moderate-sized birds. Their weight typically ranges between 85 to 190g, with slight variations between genders. They have relatively short wings, making precise measurement of their wingspan difficult.

4. Hábitat y distribución
Slaty-breasted Rails are found in several Asian countries, including Japan, India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. They are well-adapted for wetland habitats including freshwater swamps, rice fields, marshes and sometimes, semi-aquatic environments are also observed as their dwelling. They can be found at elevations up to 3,000 meters.

5. Datos de interés
a) Despite being a rail bird, Slaty-breasted rails are reluctant to fly and prefer staying on ground level.
b) They have an interesting way of communicating: among the variety of their vocalizations, the most distinctive is a repeated single-note whistle sounding like a flute.
c) In certain parts of Sri Lanka, the Slaty-breasted Rail is considered a symbol of good luck.

6. Dieta
These omnivorous birds consume a varied diet, consisting of insects, small crustaceans, seeds, and other plant matter.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
Slaty-breasted Rails are known for their elusive behavior. They usually remain hidden in dense vegetation and are much more likely to be heard than seen. Their vocal repertoire includes a variety of different notes and whistles. They manifest an intriguing ‘purring’ sound as well as a sharp ‘whistling’ sound.

8. Estado de conservación
According to the IUCN Red List, the Slaty-breasted Rail is classified as ‘Least Concern’, due to its widespread distribution and relatively large population. However, human threat to their habitat is an ongoing concern.

9. Vida útil
The estimated lifespan of Slaty-breasted Rails is not widely documented, but with considering their family, it can be expected to live between 5-10 years in the wild.

10. Notas adicionales
In the local language of Punjab (India), it’s called ‘Bandook ki Goli’. They might often be ignored due to their secretive nature, but Slaty-breasted Rails play a crucial part in maintaining the balance in their ecosystem, primarily by controlling the populations of insects and crustaceans. Interestingly, these birds are quite tolerant of human presence and sometimes nest in ditches and drainage canals right next to roadways and small settlements. Their adaptability to human-altered environments suggests intriguing possibilities for conservation and cohabitation efforts.