A scarce ground bird found in the dense forests of the southern half of the island.  Strictly a forest bird that can be seen occasionally in the hills up to about 2000 metres, but commonest in the wet zone.  Very shy and secretive.  More often heard than seen.  The unmistakable loud ‘ringing cakle’ revealing its presence can be heard from a distance.  Live in pairs.  Female resembles a small chestnut village hen with blackish vermiculations and a dark brown cap while the male has its blackish foreparts boldly spotted and streaked with white.