Anurolimnas castaneiceps
The Chestnut-headed Crake (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) is a small, highly secretive member of the rail family (Rallidae), instantly recognizable by its striking, unpatterned chestnut head and neck. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 inches) in length and weighing 64-77 grams (2.3-2.7 ounces), its body is predominantly olive-green on the back and wings, contrasting with greyish underparts. Its bright red eyes and yellowish-green bill further aid identification, though observing these feat...
Found in dense, humid primary and secondary forest undergrowth, typically near streams, swamps, or damp areas in lowlands. It prefers elevations generally below 1000 meters, though it can occur up to 1400 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates such as insects and spiders, supplemented with seeds and small fallen fruits found on the forest floor.
This crake is notoriously secretive, primarily active during crepuscular hours (dawn and dusk) and sometimes at night, making direct observation challenging. It spends most of its time foraging on the forest floor, meticulously probing leaf litter and damp soil for small invertebrates. While dire...
The Chestnut-headed Crake is a resident species found across a broad, yet often fragmented, distribution in western and northern South America. Its primary range extends from central Colombia, through eastern Ecuador and eastern Peru, to northern Bolivia, and westward into Amazonian Brazil. These...
Least Concern
- One of the most elusive birds in its entire range, often earning the nickname 'ghost bird' among local observers. - Its distinctive calls are usually the only clue to its presence, as it rarely emerges into the open. - The bright chestnut coloration of its head stands out vividly against its ot...