Buff-banded Rail

The buff-banded rail is 25–33 cm (9.8–13.0 in) in length. It can weigh up to 303 g (10.7 oz), males average 185 g (6.5 oz) while females average 172 g (6.1 oz). Its wingspan is 40–52 cm (16–20 in). In coloration, it has mainly brown upperparts, finely banded black and white underparts, a white eyebrow, chestnut band running from the bill round the nape, with a buff band on the breast. It utilises a range of moist or wetland habitats with low, dense vegetation for cover. It is usually quite shy but may become very tame and bold in some circumstances, such as in island resorts within the Great Barrier Reef region. It lives at elevations up to 3,600 m (11,800 ft).

The buff-banded rail is an omnivorous scavenger which feeds on a range of terrestrial invertebrates and small vertebrates, seeds, fallen fruit and other vegetable matter, as well as carrion and refuse. Its nest is usually situated in dense grassy or reedy vegetation close to water, with a clutch size of 2–8. These eggs are incubated for 18–19 days by both parents. Chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and are cared for by both parents. Although some island populations may be threatened, or even exterminated, by introduced predators, the species as a whole appears to be safe and its conservation status is considered to be of Least Concern.