Limpkin
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/43272765@N04">gailhampshire</a> from Cradley, Malvern, U.K (CC BY 2.0)
NameLimpkin
Common NameLimpkin
Scientific NameAramus guarauna
FamilyAramidae
Wingspan (cm)104
Length (cm)68.5
Weight (g)1125
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark brown, heavily streaked and spotted with white, particularly on the head, neck, and upperparts. The belly tends to be darker and less spotted, giving a somewhat mottled appearance. The primary feathers are dark brown.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, wailing, and mournful cries, often described as a 'ker-r-r-ee-ow' or 'krau-krau-krau' sound. These calls are particularly prominent at dawn and dusk and can carry long distances.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, swamps, marshes, lakeshores, riverbanks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southeastern United States (primarily Florida and southern Georgia), the Caribbean (including Cuba), Central America, and South America east of the Andes, extending south to northern Argentina.
Identifying Featureslong, decurved bill, dark brown plumage with white spots/streaks, long legs, distinctive wailing call, often seen foraging for snails in shallow water
Description
The Limpkin is a large, long-legged wading bird characterized by its distinctive long, decurved bill. It typically forages slowly in shallow freshwater habitats, often solitary, primarily searching for apple snails. Its gait is often described as a 'limp', giving it its common name.
