[2][3][1] It resembles its sister species, the black rail of the Americas, from which it diverged 1.2 million years ago.

[4] The Galapagos crake was originally described as Zapornia spilonota and has been moved among at least five other scientific names before its current binomial was adopted.

[5][6] The Galapagos crake forages during the day, moving along the ground in dense growth tossing leaves and investigating the leaf litter.

Its primary prey is insects of many types and its diet includes other arthropods, snails, and berries and seeds.

[5][6] The Galapagos crake's breeding season has not been fully defined but appears to span from September to April.

The species makes its nest on the ground; it is a partially covered cup made of herbaceous plant matter with a side entrance.

Feral rats, cats, and dogs, and native short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) are potential threats as well.