The slaty-breasted rail (Lewinia striata) is a rail species native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Taxonomy Despite traditionally being considered part of Gallirallus, recent genetic studies have consistently placed it in the genus Lewinia, which is now formally recognized by the IUCN and IOC.
Subspecies L. s. albiventer
L. s. obscurior
L. s. jouyi
L. s. taiwana
L. s. gularis
L. s. striata
L. s. paraterma
Habitat The slaty-breasted rail is mostly found in wetlands, up to elevations of typically , but also up to and in Sri Lanka.
Description A medium sized rail, it measures in length and weighs . In coloration, the slaty-breasted rail has a chestnut crown and nape, a blue-grey breast, and a long, reddish bill.
Behavior Breeding season can vary by location. It lays 5–9 eggs, which are incubated by both sexes for 19–22 days. Chicks can leave the nest soon after hatching, they are fed and cared for by their parents.
It feeds on worms, molluscs, crustaceans, and the seeds of marsh plants.
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