Auckland Island Rail

Lewinia muelleri is a tiny flightless rail endemic to the Auckland Islands. It differs from banded rail through its much smaller size, reduced wings and finer barred flanks. It is chestnut-brown above with a grey face and breast and narrow black-and-white flank bars. The short bill is reddish, and the tail is often flicked.

It survives only on predator-free Adams Island and Disappointment Island in the Auckland group. Dense tussock, sedges and coastal herbfields conceal it. It probes for invertebrates and takes seeds among damp vegetation. Secretive birds are detected mainly by their calls.

The New Zealand classification is Naturally Uncommon. There is no normal public viewing opportunity because its islands have tightly restricted access.