The grey-cowled wood rail or grey-necked wood rail is a species of bird in the family Rallidae, the rails. It lives primarily in the forests, mangroves, and swamps of Central and South America. Of the two subspecies, A. c. avicenniae is found in southeastern Brazil, while the nominate is found throughout the portion of the range not occupied by the other subspecies. The species as a whole is usually found at elevations from sea level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), although some have been found above that. This bird's large extent of occurrence along with its population is why it is considered to be least-concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In some places, it is occasionally hunted and kept for food.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from parts of Central America south through much of tropical South America, inhabiting mangroves, seasonally flooded forests, swamps, riparian thickets, and forest edges. It favors dense cover near shallow water and muddy margins where it can forage while remaining concealed. It also uses secondary growth, plantations, and wetlands near human settlements when cover is available. The species is typically found from sea level up to about 2000 m, with occasional records higher in the Andes foothills.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the grey-necked wood rail, this rail is more often heard than seen, advertising its territory with loud, rollicking duets at dawn and dusk. It frequents mangroves, swamps, and forest edges, where it forages on the ground and along mudflats. Although generally shy, it can become surprisingly bold around human-altered wetlands. Its broad range and adaptable habitat use contribute to its current least-concern status.
Nominate subspecies cajaneus in Costa Rica
A grey-necked wood rail feeding on seeds
A wading grey-necked wood rail
Temperament
secretive but sometimes bold near cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs maintain territories and often duet vocally to advertise and defend them. Nests are built from vegetation, typically above water or in dense cover; both sexes participate in incubation and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, rollicking, and far-carrying, often given at dawn and dusk. Calls include accelerating, clattering series and duetted whoops and cackles that can sound like excited laughter.
