Lord Howe Woodhen

The Lord Howe woodhen, a diminutive and flightless bird, presents itself in an olive brown plumage. Its wings, adorned with chestnut hues and darker bars, complement the downcurved bill. A distinctive feature is the red iris that peers out from its eyes.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify this elusive bird, look for its small stature, olive brown coloring, and the chestnut accents on its wings. The downcurved bill and red iris are also key characteristics to distinguish it from other species.

Habitat

This bird makes its home in the sub-tropical forests of Lord Howe Island, a sanctuary off the Australian coast where it thrives in the understory.

Distribution

Endemic to Lord Howe Island, the woodhen is a unique species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Behaviour

Woodhens are known for their lifelong pair bonds and territorial nature. They emerge from the forest understory to investigate unfamiliar sounds, vigorously defending their territory of approximately three hectares. Once their offspring mature, they are encouraged to find their own territories, limiting the population by the available space.

Song & calls

The woodhen's vocalizations remain undocumented in this text, leaving a mystery to the ear.

Breeding

These birds are monogamous, forming pairs that last a lifetime. They are known to defend their territory and offspring until the young are ready to establish their own territories.

Similar Species

There are no similar species mentioned in the provided text, making the Lord Howe woodhen a distinctive member of its habitat.

Diet and Feeding

The Lord Howe woodhen has a varied diet that includes earthworms, crustaceans, and fruit. It also occasionally preys on the eggs of shearwaters and petrels.

Conservation status

The IUCN classifies the Lord Howe woodhen as endangered. A remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction, with numbers once as low as 15 individuals, has been achieved through concerted conservation efforts. The population has rebounded significantly following the eradication of disruptive species and a successful captive breeding program. As of 2022, the population stands at a robust 779 individuals, a testament to the efficacy of targeted conservation measures.