Photo: Joseph Smit / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Austral Rail
Rallus antarcticus
Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus) — Cranes & Rails of South America.
Found across 2 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus) is a member of the Rallidae family found in South America. Adults weigh 60.4 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Gruiformes
- Family Rallidae Rails, Crakes & Coots
- Genus Rallus
- Species antarcticus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 60.4 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Rallidae
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Austral Rail hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Austral Rail is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
The Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus) is a member of the Rallidae family, within the order Gruiformes. It is found across South America. Its distribution covers SA s Chile and s Argentina.
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 60.4 g, with a wing length of about 9.1 cm and a tail of around 4.7 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 116,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Austral Rail?
The Austral Rail is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 60.4 g.
Where does the Austral Rail live?
The Austral Rail is found across South America with a range covering SA s Chile and s Argentina, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Austral Rail belong to?
The Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus) belongs to the Rallidae family, in the order Gruiformes.
What does the Austral Rail eat?
The Austral Rail hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Austral Rail migrate?
The Austral Rail is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
Is the Austral Rail endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
What sound does the Austral Rail make?
1 real field recording of the Austral Rail — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Austral Rail's range?
The Austral Rail has a mapped global range of about 116,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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