Pale-vented Bush-hen

Overview

The pale-vented bush-hen, also known as the rufous-tailed bush-hen or Amaurornis moluccana, is a medium-sized waterbird in the family Rallidae. It is characterised by its dull grey-blue plumage and pale vent, and is considered of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird measuring between 25 and 30 cm in length, with a body that is dull grey-blue and brown wings and tail.
• Distinctive lime-green bill with an orange-red frontal shield during the breeding season, turning duller green without the red shield when not breeding.
• Olive-yellow legs and a dark eye, with a pale, buff-rufous or reddish-brown vent and undertail.
• Loud and distinctive calls consisting of clucks, clicks, shrieks, or wails.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, specifically favouring low, dense vegetation on the edge of watercourses or wetlands. Its range covers Australia, the Moluccan Islands, New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands.

Did you know?

The species name Amaurornis moluccana translates to 'Moluccan dark and shadowy bird', a reference to its original discovery in the Moluccan Islands of Indonesia.