The grey-breasted crake is a species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is found in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico and Central America through Trinidad and Tobago and widely across South America, absent only from Chile and Uruguay. Prefers lowland wetlands with dense emergent vegetation, including marshes, wet meadows, and the grassy margins of ponds and slow streams. Frequently occupies rice fields, irrigation ditches, and seasonally flooded savannas. Remains close to cover and will run rather than fly when disturbed. Local presence can be patchy, depending on water levels and vegetation structure.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny rail is famously secretive, keeping to dense marsh grasses and often revealing itself only by voice. It is more frequently detected at dawn and dusk when its rapid trills and squeaks carry over wetlands. It readily uses human-modified habitats like rice fields and wet pastures. Despite its wide range, it can be very hard to see in the field.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs concealed within dense cover. Pairs likely defend small territories in breeding season and communicate frequently by voice. Nests are placed low in grasses or sedges, with a concealed approach tunnel common among crakes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives fast, insect-like trills, rattles, and sharp squeaks, most often at dawn and dusk. Vocalizations can carry surprisingly far across marshes and are key for detection.
Plumage
Compact rail with a grey face and breast contrasting with warm brown upperparts; flanks are finely barred black and white. Underparts tend to be darker toward the belly, with paler throat. Tail is short and often held cocked; wings short and rounded.
Diet
Takes small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and snails, gleaned from mud, shallow water, and low vegetation. Also consumes seeds and other plant matter, especially when animal prey is scarce. Forages quietly, moving mouse-like through cover and picking items from the substrate.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along the edges of dense marsh vegetation, in wet grass, and among sedges and rushes. Common in rice paddies and irrigation channels where shallow water and cover are available.
