tellimustena

Tellimustena is a genus of small, flightless birds belonging to the family Rallidae, which includes rails, coots, and cranes. The genus is native to Australia and New Guinea, with a single species, Tellimustena stygiana, found in the northern regions of Australia. This species is also known as the northern swamp rail or the northern swamp hen.

The northern swamp rail is a small bird, typically measuring around 20-22 centimeters in length. It has a brownish-gray plumage with a darker brown back and a lighter brown belly. The bird has a long, decurved bill, which is adapted for probing in mud and water. Its legs are long and strong, designed for walking in marshy areas.

The northern swamp rail is primarily a nocturnal bird, feeding on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. It is often found in wetlands, swamps, and marshes, where it uses its long bill and legs to forage for food. The bird is also known to nest in burrows, often in the banks of water bodies.

The northern swamp rail is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat loss and degradation due to human activities pose a potential threat to its population. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitat.