Gray-breasted Crake
NameGray-breasted Crake
Common NameGray-breasted Crake
Scientific NameLaterallus exilis
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are a rich reddish-brown, contrasting sharply with a slate-gray head, neck, and breast. The flanks are boldly barred with black and white. It has a distinctive red eye and a short, pale greenish bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of soft, rapid, churring or trilling notes, often described as 'trrr-trrr-trrr' or 'churr-churr-churr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in scattered populations across Central and South America, from southern Mexico through Central America, and extensively in South America east of the Andes, south to northern Argentina.
Identifying Featuressmall size, reddish-brown back, gray head and breast, black and white barred flanks, red eye, pale greenish bill
Description
This small, secretive crake is characterized by its reddish-brown upperparts and contrasting gray head and breast. It typically inhabits dense freshwater marshes and wet grasslands, where its shy nature makes it difficult to observe. It forages on the ground for invertebrates and seeds.
