Plumbeous Rail
NamePlumbeous Rail
Common NamePlumbeous Rail
Scientific NamePardirallus sanguinolentus
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)34
Weight (g)210
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown, while the head, neck, and underparts are dark slate-grey. The eyes are bright red. The long bill is greenish-yellow with a pale blue base and a reddish patch near the base of the upper mandible. Legs and feet are bright red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of loud, sharp 'kek-kek-kek' notes that often accelerate and descend in pitch, as well as various grunts and squeals.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout much of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela south through the Andes to Chile and Argentina, and east into parts of Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Identifying FeaturesPlumbeous (slate-grey) head and underparts, Olive-brown back, Bright red eyes, Long, colorful bill (greenish-yellow with blue and red patches), Bright red legs and feet
Description
This medium-sized rail is characterized by its striking plumbeous (slate-grey) head and underparts contrasting with an olive-brown back. It is typically found foraging in shallow water and dense wetland vegetation, using its long, colorful bill to probe for food.
