Giant Wood-Rail
NameGiant Wood-Rail
Common NameGiant Wood-Rail
Scientific NameAramides ypecaha
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are pale grey, with a white throat. The back and wings are olive-brown, contrasting with rufous-pink flanks and belly. A grey patch is present on the upper breast. The undertail coverts are black. It has a yellowish-green bill with a red base, bright red irises, and conspicuous bright red legs.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, far-carrying and often raucous calls, which can be a series of harsh, guttural notes, sometimes described as a 'yip-yee-pah' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa' that can be quite resonant.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in southeastern South America, including southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina.
Identifying Featureslarge size for a rail, grey head and neck, olive-brown back, rufous-pink flanks and belly, bright red legs, yellowish-green bill with red base, red iris
Description
The Giant Wood-Rail is a large, striking rail species found in South American wetlands. It is characterized by its grey head and neck, olive-brown back, and rufous underparts, often seen foraging on the ground near water.
