Slaty-breasted Rail

Lewinia striata

Family: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 26–31 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Resident across the Indian subcontinent to Southern China and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Adult has long, dull red bill usually with black tip, chestnut crown and nape, slaty-grey breast, and fine white barring on grey-black upperparts, belly, and vent. Juvenile has brown breast, duller crown and nape with little to no chestnut, and less distinct barring.

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands and grasslands.

Behaviour

Skulks in thick vegetation, appearing briefly at edges of vegetation.