Rufirallus leucopyrrhus
The Red-and-white Crake (Rufirallus leucopyrrhus) is a small, strikingly colored rail species indigenous to South America, captivating for its elusive nature and vibrant plumage. Measuring approximately 14-17 cm (5.5-6.7 inches) in length and weighing around 30-40 grams, its most distinctive feature is the rich rufous-chestnut coloration covering its head, neck, breast, and flanks, sharply contrasting with a pure white belly and undertail coverts. The back and wings are a dark olive-brown, of...
Found in dense freshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, boggy areas, and wet grasslands, often near forest edges or in flooded agricultural fields. Primarily inhabits lowlands, though recorded up to 1000 meters in elevation.
Feeds primarily on small invertebrates such as insects, insect larvae, snails, and worms, supplemented by seeds of various aquatic plants. It forages by probing soft substrates and gleaning from vegetation.
This crake is notoriously secretive and difficult to observe, often active during crepuscular hours (dawn and dusk) but can also be seen foraging cautiously during the day in very dense cover. It typically forages by probing soft mud and shallow water for invertebrates or gleaning small items fro...
The Red-and-white Crake is a resident species distributed across southeastern South America, with its range spanning parts of southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, northeastern Argentina, and Uruguay. Its primary stronghold is within the Atlantic Forest biome, but it also occurs in suitable wetl...
Least Concern
- The Red-and-white Crake is one of the most elusive birds in South America, far more often heard than seen. - Despite its small size, its calls are surprisingly loud and carry well over wetland environments. - Its scientific name, *leucopyrrhus*, translates from Greek to 'white-flanked' (or whit...