Hawaiian Rail

Hawaii Rail ( Porzana sandwichensis )

The Hawaiian Rail ( Porzana sandwichensis ) is an extinct flightless bird, which occurred in Hawaii and possibly Molokai.

Appearance

There were a bright ( P. sandwichiensis ) and a dark form ( P. millsi ). Since the origin and timing of the museum pieces is not well known, it is unclear whether there are two separate species or coloration variants of the same species.

P. millsi was about 14 cm long, had a brown skull with gray approach. The cheeks are deep red-brown, the reins tan, the ear -coverts gray. The deep red-brown chest turns into a gray chocolate brown on the belly, flanks and tail. The back is dark reddish brown, darker below with spring centers.

P. sandwichensis was almost 13 cm long, with significantly brighter than millsi black feather centers of Rückenbefiederung.

Way of life

The flightless Rail Hawaii occurred in Hawaii and possibly Molokai. She lived in open grassland and bushes directly below the rain forests and other habitats in forest clearings.

Aussterbezeitpunkt and cause

The Rail in 1884 or possibly 1893 last seen alive. The exact reason for the extinction of the Hawaiian Rail is unknown. When the mongooses, which were at times made ​​responsible for this, were introduced in 1893 in Hawaii, the bird was already as good as dead. Mongooses were introduced in 1883 and are therefore unlikely to be the cause for the same reason. Hunting by rats, cats, dogs and humans are more likely reasons for the extinction.

The next of kin of the Rail is the South Seas Crake ( Porzana tabuensis ).