The giant wood rail is a species of bird in the subfamily Rallinae of the rail, crake, and coot family Rallidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill wetlands of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Favors marshes, swamps, and reedbeds along rivers and lagoons, as well as seasonally flooded grasslands. Common around the margins of lakes, in rice fields, and in wet pastures where dense cover meets open ground. Uses thickets and gallery woodland edges near water and will forage in semi-open areas.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This is the largest of the wood-rails, often seen striding boldly along marsh edges rather than hiding like many rails. Its explosive, far-carrying chorus—often rendered as “ipek-ah, ipek-ah”—is most commonly heard at dawn and dusk and can be given in duets or group bouts. It readily uses human-altered wetlands such as rice fields and flooded pastures.
Aramides ypecaha in Uruguay
Temperament
alert and somewhat bold at edges of cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier, prefers to run
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, often seen foraging along wet margins. Likely monogamous, with both sexes participating in nesting duties in dense vegetation near water. Nests are placed low over or near water, and chicks are precocial and mobile soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing chorus of repeated, accelerating notes often given antiphonally by pairs or small groups. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and can carry over long distances across wetlands.
