Malaysian Rail-babbler
Eupetes macrocerus
Near ThreatenedAves · Passeriformes · Eupetidae
About
The rail-babbler or Malaysian rail-babbler is a brown and pied rail-like ground-living bird. It is the only species in the genus Eupetes and family Eupetidae. It lives on the floor of primary forests in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, as well as Borneo. It is distantly related to African rockfowl. Its population has greatly decreased because much of the lowland primary forest has been cut, and secondary forests usually have too dense a bottom vegetation or do not offer enough shade to be favourable for the species. However, it is locally still common in logged forest or on hill-forest on slopes, and probably not in immediate danger of extinction. The species is poorly known and rarely seen, in no small part due to its shyness.
Fun Fact
It is the only species in the genus Eupetes and family Eupetidae.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurs in tall, lowland forests and also in swamps and heath forest.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, including cicadas, and beetles; spiders and worms.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Hunting and Collection
- Climate Change