Limpkin
Image: David Garza (cc-by)
NameLimpkin
Common NameLimpkin
Scientific NameAramus guarauna
FamilyAramidae
Wingspan (cm)104
Length (cm)68.5
Weight (g)1080
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark brown, heavily streaked and spotted with white, particularly on the head, neck, and back. The primary feathers are dark, and the bill is yellowish-green at the base, darkening to brown or black at the tip.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, wailing, mournful, and often eerie calls, which can be described as a 'ker-wee-ow' or 'krrraaa-ow', especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, swamps, marshes, slow-moving rivers, lakeshores
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (primarily Florida and parts of Georgia), Cuba, Hispaniola, Mexico, Central America, and widespread throughout South America.
Identifying Featureslong legs, long neck, dark brown plumage with white streaks/spots, slightly decurved bill, distinctive wailing call, preference for freshwater wetlands, specialized diet of apple snails
Description
The Limpkin is a large, dark wading bird characterized by its long legs and neck, often seen slowly patrolling the edges of freshwater wetlands. It has a distinctive slightly decurved bill, perfectly adapted for extracting snails from their shells.
