Population
Estimated population is 1,000 - 2,499 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and degradation due to wetland drainage, agricultural encroachment, predation by introduced mammals are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A loud, sharp, piercing 'peep'. Rapid, short chattering when alarmed.
Bogota Rail (Rallus semiplumbeus) [XC86445]
by Gary Stiles (Colecci\u00f3n de Sonidos Ambientales - Instituto Humboldt) from Parque Natural Sumapaz, Laguna de Chisaca, Colombia (song)
Bogota Rail (Rallus semiplumbeus) [XC10309]
by Peter Boesman from Parque La Florida, Bogota, Colombia (?)
Subspecies
Forms superspecies with Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) and Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus) and sometimes considered conspecific with Austral Rail (Rallus antarcticus). Subspecies peruvianus, known only from type specimen, might merit specific status.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
semiplumbeus Sclater, 1856 - Eastern Andes of Colombia.