Appearance:

Small, secretive bird, usually only heard and not seen. Buff under tail-coverts and zigzag-patterned wings are diagnostic, and separates it from all other small rails in the region except American migrant Sora. Stocky build, with speckled underparts and short yellow bill with red spot at upper base.

Sound:

Loud and far reaching song uttered with relentless stamina for hours on end. A monosyllabic, resonant and drawn-out "huiiit". The pith rises towards the emphasized end of the call, which is repeated about once a second. Often compared to the dripping of water. Mostly heard at night, and often i duet with mate. The female answers the male with a slightly deeper and softer call, giving the impression of one bird giving a disyllabic call.

Song:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

Sounds:Recorded by Edmunds Racinskis

CC-photo:ajmatthehiddenhouse, Licence,Link.

Appearance:

Easily overlooked, secretive grouse. Small and compact, with small head and rounded body. Upper parts grey, wings speckled in brown. Tail grey with broad black terminal band. Male with short crest, contrasting black throat patch and generally brighter coloured than female.

Sound:

Song an extremely high pitched whistle; "piuuuuuuuiiii pju pju pju". Start-note typically sustained, first descending then ascending and descending again. Often followed by three short conclusive "pju, pju pju". Warning call of female a bubbling thrill.

Male song:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

CC-photo:ressaure, Licence,Link,

CC-photo:mattisj, Licence,Link.

CC-photo:pilot_micha, Licence,Link.