Nkulengu Rail Himantornis haematopus Scientific name definitions

43 cm; 1 female 390 g. Variably scaly or mottled plumage pattern more reminiscent of francolin than rail, but overall shape, leg length and behaviour are obviously rallid. Easily separated from other forest rails by large size, heavy bill and red legs . Plumage very variable, particularly in extent of grey scaling on underparts . Sexes alike. Immature similar to adult but upperpart feathers have dark centres and tawny margins; underparts pale grey-brown, with whitish chin, throat and belly; eye, legs and feet duller than in adult.

Sierra Leone E to W Uganda and S to coastal and C DRCongo and NW Angola (Cabinda).

Lowland rain forest , usually dense primary or old secondary growth, where inhabits rank vegetation along streams and rivers, on islands and sometimes in swampy or marshy areas; occasionally in mangroves. Also found in forest away from water, and in areas disturbed by logging.

Almost unknown. Breeding recorded Cameroon, Sept; Gabon, fresh nest Feb; Zaire, Feb, probably also Mar and Sept. Probably monogamous and territorial; characteristic antiphonal duet given for long periods at dusk and during night from high in tree, and by day from ground. Only 2 nests described: 1 in Gabon was substantial structure of coarse tangled twigs and leaves, 35 cm wide and deep, placed 1·2 m above ground on heap of brushwood in undergrowth of plateau forest far from water; another nest was said to be placed in a tree. 1 clutch of 3 eggs found. Unlike most rails, downy young distinctively patterned: broad blackish brown stripe from forehead over head and back to tail; lores to ear-patch black; stripe over eye, side of head, chin, throat and underparts creamy white; brown band across breast; rest of body dull light brown; eye dull brown; legs and feet dull pink; upper mandible blackish; lower mandible grey.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Frequent to common throughout most of its range; in Gabon, spacing of singing birds suggested density of 3 pairs per 200 ha. No recent records in Nigeria; in 1990, was thought to be widespread in Bwamba Forest, W Uganda, whence there was only 1 previous record. Widespread destruction of its forest habitat must have reduced its numbers in many areas and species sometimes trapped for food by local people.