The Aztec rail or Mexican rail, is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Mexican Plateau (Central Mexico)
Typical Environment
Endemic to highland freshwater marshes of central Mexico, especially in the Valley of Mexico and adjacent basins such as Lerma–Chapala and Pátzcuaro. It inhabits dense stands of cattail, bulrush, and sedges along lakes, lagoons, and slow-moving channels. The species favors shallow water with muddy margins and interwoven vegetation mats for cover. It is highly localized and patchy, tracking the availability of permanent emergent marsh. Wetland drainage, water extraction, and pollution fragment its habitat.
Altitude Range
1500–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Aztec rail, also called the Mexican rail, is a secretive marsh bird of central Mexico, usually detected by its loud clattering calls rather than seen. It slips through dense cattails and bulrushes, preferring to run rather than fly when disturbed. Habitat loss and wetland degradation are the primary pressures on this species. Protecting highland marshes is key to its long-term survival.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that prefers to run through cover
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and defends small territories within dense marsh. Nests are placed in thick emergent vegetation, often slightly elevated over water and connected by runways. Clutches are moderate in size, and both parents incubate and tend precocial chicks. Outside breeding, it remains secretive and seldom gathers in large groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud clattering series and repeated kek notes that carry through marshes, especially at dawn and dusk. It also gives grunts and harsh scolds when alarmed, with pairs sometimes duetting.
Plumage
Brown upperparts with darker streaking, warm rufous to chestnut breast, and heavily barred black-and-white flanks; gray face and neck contrast with the richer underparts.
Diet
Feeds on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates such as insects, snails, and crustaceans, plus small fish and tadpoles when available. It also takes seeds and other plant matter opportunistically. Foraging involves probing soft mud, gleaning from vegetation, and picking prey from shallow water. It may use cover to ambush small aquatic prey along channels.
Preferred Environment
Edges of dense cattail and bulrush stands, shallow marsh pools, and muddy margins. Often works narrow channels and floating mats where it can stay concealed while foraging.
