Slaty-breasted Wood Rail

Overview

The Aramides saracura is a species of bird in the subfamily Rallinae of the rail, crake, and coot family Rallidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Identification

• Length ranges from 34 to 37 cm, with one male recorded at 540 g.
• Adults feature a green bill with a bluish base, a red eye, and reddish- to yellowish brown legs and feet.
• Most of the head, throat, breast, and belly are slate gray, while the nape and shoulders are chestnut, the back is olive, and the tail is black.
• Vocalisations include loud cries such as 'po-quit kwaa kwaa kwaa', 'po-peek', and 'po-pereek', often delivered in a duet, along with an irritated series of 'quir' notes.

Habitat

The species is distributed from southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, generally inhabiting somewhat wet forest and woodland. It is often found in swampy areas or along streams but usually avoids open marshes.

Diet

It usually feeds on earthworms, beetle larvae, and other small insects.

Did you know?

The breeding season is not fully defined but appears to include at least November to February, with one known nest situated in a thick bush holding four or five eggs.