The chestnut-headed crake is a species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is the only species placed in the genus Anurolimnas. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowlands and Andean foothills of Bolivia, Brazil (western Amazon, e.g., Acre), Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Prefers dense understory in humid tropical forests, especially along edges, overgrown clearings, and near streams or swampy patches. Frequently associated with thickets of bamboo (Guadua) and Heliconia where it can move under cover. It is a secretive terrestrial forager, usually remaining close to dense cover.
Altitude Range
100–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-dwelling rail of the western Amazon, the chestnut-headed crake is far more often heard than seen. It skulks through dense understory and bamboo thickets, giving distinctive whistled calls at dawn and dusk. Although widespread, it is sensitive to forest disturbance and fragmentation.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant to fly
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense cover on or near the ground. Nests are well-concealed, placed low in thick vegetation; clutch size is small and both parents likely attend. Breeding timing varies locally across its range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, whistled notes that may accelerate or descend slightly in pitch. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and may include duet-like exchanges between pair members.
Plumage
Rich chestnut head and neck contrasting with olive-brown upperparts and grayer underparts; flanks finely barred black and white. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, aiding movement through dense vegetation.
Diet
Takes a variety of small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and snails, gleaned from leaf litter and damp soil. Also consumes seeds and some fallen fruits, making it broadly omnivorous. Foraging is mostly on foot, probing and flicking leaf litter under cover.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the forest floor in dense understory, especially in bamboo and along shaded stream margins. Often stays within a few meters of heavy cover and avoids open ground.
