Scientific Name: Gallicrex cinerea
Malay Name: Ayam-ayam Tanduk
Chinese Name: 董鸡
Range:
Found from Indian subcontinent to southern China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Northern populations winter to Southeast Asia.
Taxonomy:
Monotypic
Size: M:41-43 cm, F:31-36 cm
Identification: Non-breeding male and female have buff brown plumage with bold dark streaks on the upperparts, narrow barrings on the underparts and yellowish-green bill and legs. Male is significantly larger and has thicker bill than female. Breeding male has black body with streaked buff-brown back, mostly yellowish bill and red frontal shield that extends over the head. Juvenile resembles female.
Habitat: Freshwater wetlands, marshy grasslands and well vegetated ponds in parks/gardens.
Behaviour/Ecology: Usually solitary and skulk in thick cover, occasionally coming out to feed in the open.
Local Status: Uncommon migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Location: Recent sightings were at Singapore Botanic Gardens, Japanese Garden, Kranji Marsh, Lorong Halus, Seletar and Tuas.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson (2012) A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
