GUAM RAIL
Hypotaenidia owstoni
DESCRIPTION
The Guam Rail (Hypotaenidia owstoni) is a flightless bird native to Guam, known for its distinctive appearance and behavior. It has become critically endangered due to habitat loss and predation by invasive species.
FUN FACTS
- The Guam Rail is unable to fly due to its small wings | It was once common across Guam but has seen drastic population declines | Conservation efforts are ongoing to save this unique species
QUICK INFO
Lifespanup to 10 years in the wild
Average Weight150-200 g
Average Length30-35 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structurepair, often seen in monogamous pairs during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- The species inhabits dense forest and scrubland, often near water sources. It prefers areas with thick underbrush for cover and nesting.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Forest
- Native Range
- Endemic to Guam, with historical populations on nearby islands.
- Continent
- Oceania
- Countries
- Guam
- Diet
- The Guam Rail primarily feeds on insects, small invertebrates, and plant material. It forages on the ground, using its beak to probe for food.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, small invertebrates
- Social Structure
- pair, often seen in monogamous pairs during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2
- Territorial
- 1
150-200 g
Weight
30-35 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brownish with streaks and a lighter underbelly
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
CR
Critically Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is critically low, primarily due to habitat destruction and predation.
- Wild Population Estimate
- fewer than 100 individuals
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to development and predation by invasive species such as the brown tree snake.
- Conservation Program
- Captive breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts are in place.
- Predators
- brown tree snake, feral cats
- Defense Mechanisms
- The Guam Rail relies on camouflage and dense vegetation for protection.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare