Amaurornis olivacea
The Plain Bush-hen (*Amaurornis olivacea*) is a medium-sized, highly secretive rail native to Southeast Asia and Australasia, measuring 20-27 cm in length and weighing 120-200 grams. Its plumage is characterized by olive-brown upperparts, slate-grey underparts, and a distinctive rufous vent and undertail coverts. A key field mark is its greenish-yellow bill with a bright red base, complemented by yellowish-green legs. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Rallidae, sharing ancestry with cra...
Found in dense, often wet, vegetation including swamps, mangroves, reed beds, wet grasslands, and dense forest undergrowth, typically in lowlands below 500m.
Feeds primarily on invertebrates such as insects (beetles, grasshoppers, crickets), worms, and small amphibians, supplemented by seeds and fallen fruits, foraging by gleaning and probing.
Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, the Plain Bush-hen also forages during the day, moving stealthily through dense undergrowth. It roosts concealed within thick vegetation. Foraging involves terrestrial gleaning and probing for invertebrates and seeds in soft soil or from low plants. This speci...
The Plain Bush-hen is widely distributed across Southeast Asia and Australasia, maintaining largely resident populations throughout its range. Its presence spans the Philippines, Sulawesi, the Moluccas, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, extending southwards into northern and eastern coastal Au...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the Plain Bush-hen is a member of the rail family (Rallidae), not a true hen. - It is a master of camouflage, often remaining completely hidden even when observers are very close. - Its remarkably loud and explosive calls contrast sharply with its extremely shy and secr...