Amaurornis isabellina
The Isabelline Bush-hen (*Amaurornis isabellina*) is a medium-sized, secretive rail, endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and a few adjacent islets. Measuring approximately 25-29 cm (10-11.4 inches) in length, its plumage is characterized by a distinctive uniform warm buff or pale yellowish-brown, which gives it the "isabelline" epithet, often appearing paler on the belly. Key field marks include its short, stout greenish-yellow bill, matching yellowish-green to olive legs and feet, ...
Inhabits dense, marshy undergrowth, secondary forests, and tall grasslands near water bodies, including rice paddies and swampy areas, from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various invertebrates such as insects, snails, and worms, supplemented with some plant material like seeds and shoots. Forages by gleaning and probing in dense ground cover and moist soil.
The Isabelline Bush-hen is highly elusive and predominantly crepuscular or nocturnal, making direct observation challenging. It forages solitarily, often gleaning invertebrates from leaf litter, probing moist soil, and sifting through dense vegetation for food items. Its territorial behavior is p...
The Isabelline Bush-hen is an obligate resident of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and several small neighboring islands, including Buton, Muna, Peleng, and possibly Banggai and Sula. Its distribution spans across the main island of Sulawesi, where it is found throughout suitable lowland and foothill habita...
Least Concern
- The "isabelline" in its name refers to a pale yellowish-brown color, a term believed to originate from Queen Isabella I of Castile, who supposedly vowed not to change her undergarments until the end of a long siege. - It is strictly endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and a few small ...