Gallirallus Collection

Gallirallus philippensis, buff-banded rail
Drawing No. 45, watercolour by George Raper (1792) from The Raper Collection

Weka Rail (Ocydromus australis), c. 1851-76 (w / c & pencil on paper)
780833 Weka Rail (Ocydromus australis), c.1851-76 (w/c & pencil on paper) by Wolf, Joseph (1820-99); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; German, out of copyright

Buff-banded rail, Gallirallus philippensis (Philippine rail, Rallus philippensis). Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by John Latham from his own A General History of Birds, Winchester, 1824

A flightless Weka / Maori hen / Woodhen at London Zoo in 1927 (b / w photo)
3618626 A flightless Weka/Maori hen/Woodhen at London Zoo in 1927 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British

Rallus phippensis
Buff-banded Rail, Rallus phippensis, collected by JB Jukes in Port Essington, Northern Territory, Australia on August 1843 Date: 1843

North Island Weka and Western Weka
North Island Weka, Gallirallus australis greyi. Western Weka, Gallirallus australis australis. Artwork by JG Keulemans from Sir Walter Lawry Bullers A History of the Birds of New Zealand

Western Weka and Buff Weka
Western Weka, Gallirallus australis australis. Buff Weka, Gallirallus australis hectori. Artwork by JG Keulemans from Sir Walter Lawry Bullers A History of the Birds of New Zealand

Picture No. 11091967
Western Weka Date:

Picture No. 10894936
Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) Date:

Picture No. 10894931
Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) Date:

Gallirallus dieffenbachii, Dieffenbachs rail
Photograph of Gallirallus dieffenbachii specimen. Photographed by Harry Taylor, 2009. This species is extinct

Weka / Woodhen. Kapiti island near Wellington New Zealand
MAB-503 Weka / Woodhen Kapiti island near Wellington New Zealand Gallirallus australis Mark Boulton Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

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"Gallirallus: A Fascinating Family of Flightless Rails" The Gallirallus genus encompasses a diverse group of flightless rails, known for their unique characteristics and intriguing history. One prominent member is the Gallirallus philippensis, commonly referred to as the buff-banded rail. This species, with its distinctive buff-colored bands across its body, can be found in various regions throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Another notable member is the Weka Rail (Ocydromus australis), which thrived from 1851 to 1876. Captured through delicate watercolor and pencil artistry on paper during that era, this depiction showcases the beauty of this now-extinct bird. The Weka Rail was native to New Zealand and was often referred to as Maori hen or Woodhen due to its resemblance to domestic poultry. Intriguingly, even though some members of the Gallirallus genus are flightless like their distant relatives, they have adapted remarkably well in different habitats. For instance, both North Island Weka and Western Weka have managed to survive despite facing distinct challenges in their respective environments. Photographic evidence from London Zoo in 1927 reveals a captivating image of a flightless Weka captured in black and white. This snapshot offers us a glimpse into how these birds were exhibited for public admiration at that time. Amongst these fascinating rails is also Dieffenbach's rail (Gallirallus dieffenbachii). Named after Ernst Dieffenbach - an explorer who extensively studied New Zealand's natural history - this species holds historical significance within ornithology circles. As we delve deeper into understanding these avian wonders, it becomes evident that each species within the Gallirallus family has its own story worth exploring further. From intricate artwork capturing their essence centuries ago to photographs documenting their existence today – every piece contributes towards unraveling the mysteries surrounding these captivating flightless rails.