Limpkin
NameLimpkin
Common NameLimpkin
Scientific NameAramus guarauna
FamilyAramidae
Wingspan (cm)104
Length (cm)68.5
Weight (g)1100
Plumage DetailsOverall dark brown plumage, heavily streaked and spotted with white, particularly on the head, neck, and upperparts. The belly is generally plain dark brown. The bill is long, yellowish-brown, and slightly decurved with a darker tip.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, wailing, and mournful calls, often described as a 'kree-ow' or 'kur-r-r-ee-ow', which can be heard over long distances, especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (primarily Florida and southern Georgia), Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America, and throughout much of South America.
Identifying Featureslong, slightly decurved bill, dark brown plumage with white streaks and spots, long legs, distinctive loud, wailing call, often found near water bodies with apple snails
Description
The Limpkin is a large, long-legged wading bird with a distinctive long, slightly decurved bill. Its plumage is dark brown with prominent white streaks and spots, giving it a mottled appearance. It is often found in freshwater wetlands, where it specializes in feeding on apple snails.
