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birds of the lakes, streams, and swamps 
6. Lewin Water-rail Rallus pectoralis Temminck 
Rail -us— N.L., rallus , rail: pec-tor-a'-lis— L., pectoralis , breasted. 
distribution. Eastern, southern, and south-western Australia 
(coastal), and Tasmania; also occurs in New Guinea. 
notes. Also called Slate-breasted Rail, Short-toed Rail, and Pectoral 
Rail. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting swamps and the reed- 
lined margins of streams. It is exceedingly shy and retiring in habits, 
and difficult of observation. If flushed, it rarely flies far, but seeks 
refuge among the tall grasses. When in flight its long legs hang down, 
and, although not web-footed, it swims with great facility and dives 
if closely pursued. It utters an alarm note, resembling "Creek” or 
“Crick”, when startled. Food: worms, freshwater snails, and insects of 
various kinds. 
nest. A shallow, saucer-shaped structure, composed of coarse plant- 
stalks and grass-stems, and well-concealed among tall rushes, grass, or 
aquatic plants. 
eggs. Three to five, occasionally more, dull white or warm creamy- 
white, covered with freckles, streaks, spots, and blotches of purplish- 
brown, chestnut-brown, and violet-grey markings. Breeding-season: 
August to December. 
7. Red-necked Rail Rallina tricolor Gray 
Rall-V-na— N.L., rallina , rail: tri-col-or— L., tricolor , three-coloured. 
distribution. Northern Queensland (coastal); also occurs in the 
Aru Islands and New Guinea. 
notes. Also called Tricoloured Rail. Usually singly or in pairs, 
frequenting the dense tropical scrubs bordering creeks or on the sides 
of stony ridges. It appears to be migratory, arriving in northern 
Australia at the beginning of the wet season. Generally it is shy and 
difficult to observe. Its call is a loud shriek, many times repeated, 
resembling "Rare, kare, kare”, and another short sharp note like 
"Tock, tock, tock”. Food: insects and freshwater animals of various 
kinds. 
nest. A hole scooped in the ground, in which a few dead leaves are 
placed; generally situated at the foot of a tree. 
eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: January to April. 
8. Banded Landrail Hypatcenidia philippensis Linne 
Hy'-po-ta-nid'-i-a— Gk, hypo , under; Gk, tainidion , small band: philips 
pensis— of the Philippine Islands. 
distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in 
the Philippine Islands to New Guinea, New Zealand, and the Pacific 
Islands. 
notes. Also called Buff-banded Landrail, Landrail, Painted Rail, 
Pectoral Rail, and Corn-crake. Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting 
scrub and rank herbage in swampy localities, also the margins of 
streams and cultivation paddocks. It is shy and wary, being difficult 
to observe; it rarely takes to the wing, evading its enemies by running. 
Q 
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