Lewin's Rail

The Lewin's rail (Lewinia pectoralis) is a bird species belonging to the family Rallidae. It is known by various names, including water rail, Lewin's water rail, Lewin's grind rail, slate-breasted rail, slate-breasted water rail, pectoral rail, pectoral water rail, short-toed rail, and short-toed water rail. This bird is named in honor of the English naturalist and illustrator William Lewin.

Identification Tips

The Lewin's rail is characterized by its slate-grey breast, a feature that has inspired some of its common names. It is a secretive bird, often remaining hidden within dense vegetation, making it a challenge to spot in the wild.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Lewin's rail includes subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is also known to inhabit artificial wetlands, provided they are surrounded by dense vegetation.

Distribution

Lewin's rail can be found across Australia, Wallacea, and New Guinea. Within Australia, it has been recorded in eastern, south-eastern, and south-western regions, as well as Tasmania.

Breeding

Lewin's rails lay three to five eggs over the summer. The nests are built from dry vegetation and are located just above the water's edge in dense reeds and grassland.

Diet and Feeding

Lewin's rails forage in shallow waters at the water's edge, under the cover of surrounding vegetation and aquatic plants. Their diet mainly consists of invertebrates, with occasional consumption of bird eggs and frogs.

Conservation Status

The Lewin's rail is not listed as threatened on the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. However, its status varies by state within Australia. In Victoria, it is listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, and as vulnerable on the advisory list of threatened vertebrate fauna. A subspecies, the Lewin's water rail (Rallus pectoralis clelandi), is presumed extinct in Western Australia. In Brisbane, the species is considered rare and threatened, with efforts being made to protect its habitat. The bird is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and it is an offence to harm it outside of the Act's allowances.