Spotted Rail
NameSpotted Rail
Common NameSpotted Rail
Scientific NamePardirallus maculatus
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)27.5
Weight (g)160
Plumage DetailsDark brown to black plumage, heavily spotted and barred with white across the head, neck, and body. The iris is bright red. The bill is yellowish-green with a distinctive red patch at the base of both the upper and lower mandibles. Legs are greenish-yellow.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of grunts, squeals, clucking sounds, and a distinctive series of 'kek-kek-kek' or 'churr-churr-churr' notes, often given at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread but patchily distributed from Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean, and across much of South America east of the Andes, extending south to northern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesDark plumage with prominent white spots and barring, Bright red eyes, Yellowish-green bill with a red base, Secretive behavior in dense wetland vegetation
Description
The Spotted Rail is a secretive wetland bird characterized by its dark, heavily white-spotted plumage and striking red eyes. It typically inhabits dense marsh vegetation, where it forages for invertebrates and plant matter.
