Rufous-faced Crake
NameRufous-faced Crake
Common NameRufous-faced Crake
Scientific NameLaterallus xenopterus
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsThe head, neck, and breast are a rich rufous (reddish-brown). The upperparts are dark brown, while the flanks and lower belly exhibit prominent black and white barring. The undertail coverts are black. It has reddish-brown eyes and a pale greenish-grey bill, with dull brownish-pink legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, trilling or churring call, often heard at dawn or dusk. It also produces a 'chick-chick-chick' alarm call when disturbed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to South America, with scattered populations found in central and southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. It prefers seasonally flooded savannas and marshes.
Identifying FeaturesRufous head, neck, and breast, Striking black and white barring on flanks, Small size, Reddish eyes, Pale bill
Description
The Rufous-faced Crake is a small, secretive bird characterized by its distinctive rufous head and chest, contrasting with dark brown upperparts. Its flanks are strikingly barred with black and white, making it easily identifiable among crakes. This species typically inhabits dense wet grasslands and marshes, where it forages for food.
