About the Samoan Moorhen
The Samoan Moorhen, also known as Samoan wood rail, is a nearly flightless rail endemic to the Samoan island of Savai'i that is Critically Endangered. As it has evolved adaptations for a more terrestrial lifestyle and at least partly nocturnal habits, it is probably better placed in a distinct genus, Pareudiastes, but this issue has not yet been thoroughly researched. It was known as puna'e to the native Samoans; this was said to relate to the bird's habit of making a jumping dash into cover when startled from its resting place.
Source: Wikipedia
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rails, Gallinules, and Coots (Rallidae) |
| Species | Gallinula pacifica |
| Species Codes | sammoo1, SAWO, SAMO |
| Conservation | CR Critically Endangered |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Samoan Moorhen belong to?
The Samoan Moorhen (Gallinula pacifica) belongs to the Rails, Gallinules, and Coots family (Rallidae), in the order Gruiformes.
What is the conservation status of the Samoan Moorhen?
The Samoan Moorhen is classified as "Critically Endangered" (CR) by IUCN Red List.
How can I identify the Samoan Moorhen?
The Samoan Moorhen, also known as Samoan wood rail, is a nearly flightless rail endemic to the Samoan island of Savai'i that is Critically Endangered. As it has evolved adaptations for a more terrestrial lifestyle and at least partly nocturnal habits, it is probably better placed in a distinct genus...
Where can I report a Samoan Moorhen sighting?
You can log sightings of Samoan Moorhen on eBird (ebird.org) using species code sammoo1, or on iNaturalist.
Related Species in Rails, Gallinules, and Coots 156 species
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