Buff-banded Rail

Description:

many birds of this family flick their tails, especially when alerted to something new or danger. Grows to about 31cm, adult colouring is mottled and intricately patterned areas in shades of brown over the back and wings, with white dots and marks on each feather, belly and chest marked with intricate black and white lines with a reddish band across centre chest, head is marked with brown/reddish cap, white eyebrow, reddish chestnut band from beak to nape of neck, under chin id grey and white. Dumpy bird, fast in movement and flight.

Habitat:

Usually a shy bird, they do become used to human company. Can be found around swamps, waterways, grasslands that are reasonably moist, dams and lake edges where grass cover is good. Found many areas around Australia, particularly closer to coastal regions, some inland 'spots' such as central Australia. Also found in other Pacific areas such as New Guinea, New Zealand and other places.