Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)

The buff-banded rail is an omnivorous feeder with an extremely varied diet that includes worms, molluscs, crustaceans, insects, spiders, small fish, amphibians, bird and turtle eggs, chicks of other birds, carrion, fruits, seeds and other plant matter (2). Although known to feed at all times of day, this rail generally concentrates its efforts around dusk and dawn (2) (3). Most prey is captured by a quick stab with a slightly open bill, or alternatively it will peck at food items such as snail shells until they crack open (2). Breeding occurs at different times of the year in various parts of the buff-banded rail's range, but has been recorded year round in the tropics. The nest is built in, or under, dense vegetation such as long grass, reeds, rushes, shrubs and trees. The female usually lays between four to eight eggs in the nest, which are subsequently incubated by both parents for around 18 to 19 days before hatching. The chicks are fed and cared for by both parents until they are evicted from the nest at five to nine weeks old. At two months old, the chicks are able to fly, and probably breed when just a year old (2).

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