The black-banded crake is a species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The species was formerly placed in the genus Laterallus.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Colombia and Ecuador through northeastern Peru into western Brazil, mainly in lowland rainforest regions. It favors seasonally flooded forests (várzea and igapó), overgrown river edges, and marshy clearings within forest. The species also uses second-growth thickets, dense Heliconia patches, and bamboo tangles near water. It is highly localized and patchy, often tied to dense ground cover close to wetlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-dwelling rail of the western Amazon, the black-banded crake is more often heard than seen. It typically dashes through dense understory rather than flying, and may respond to imitated calls. Taxonomy has shifted, with the species formerly placed in Laterallus. Both sexes look similar and rely on camouflage and stillness to avoid detection.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, reluctant low flier
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, keeping to dense cover. Nests are well concealed near the ground in thick vegetation, with both parents likely participating in incubation and chick care. Territorial calling is most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, whistled notes and rapid trills that carry through dense understory. Calls can escalate into rattling sequences when excited, and often elicit responses from nearby birds.
Plumage
Rich rufous to chestnut upperparts with slate-gray face and underparts, crossed by bold dark banding on the lower breast and belly; flanks often finely barred or spotted.
Diet
Forages for insects such as ants, beetles, and termites, as well as spiders, small snails, and worms. It also takes seeds and small fruits opportunistically. Food is obtained by gleaning and probing among leaf litter and at the bases of dense vegetation. Occasionally it feeds along muddy margins of pools and streams.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the ground in dense tangles, Heliconia stands, and bamboo thickets close to wetlands or seasonally flooded forest. It keeps near cover and rarely ventures into open areas except at edges.
