Natural History of the Guam Rail

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Abstract
The Guam rail [R. owstoni] is an endemic flightless bird, occurring in greatest abundance in the mixed woodland 2nd growth and scrub habitats of northern Guam and uncommonly in savanna and mature forest habitats. It is not found in wetlands. Rails are omnivorous, preferring animal material, particularly gastropods and insects, over vegetable matter. The typical clutch consists of 3 or 4 eggs, with brood sizes ranging from 1-4 (.hivin.x = 2.0) chicks. Nesting occurs year-round, but activity appears to increase during the rainy season (July-Nov.). Young are highly precocial, achieving adult weights in the 7th wk. of life and adult-like plumage after the 16th wk. Formerly distributed island-wide, the Guam rail has recently undergone severe range restrictions, virtually disappearing from southern Guam, and has become localized around the fringes of the northern plateau.

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