Jamaican wood rail

The Jamaican wood rail, also called the Jamaican uniform rail was the nominate subspecies of the uniform crake found on Jamaica. It became extinct around 1881.

Appearance
The Jamaican wood rail was a reddish-brown bird some 10 inches in length.

Ecology
Although capable of flight, the wood rail was primarily a terrestrial bird, preferring to run to escape predators. It was originally widespread on the island, inhabiting swamps, jungle undergrowth and streambeds, to fairly high altitudes.

Extinction
Already rare and threatened by rats and cats, the Jamaican wood rail was ultimately driven to extinction shortly after the introduction of small Indian mongooses to Jamaica in 1872. The last specimens of the bird were collected in 1881.