Region

Central and South America and the Caribbean

Typical Environment

Found from the southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America to northern Argentina, and on many Caribbean islands. Prefers small, quiet freshwater bodies such as ponds, marshes, oxbows, ditches, and slow streams with dense emergent vegetation. It also occurs in mangrove lagoons and sheltered edges of larger lakes where cover is abundant. Often occupies ephemeral or human-made water bodies and can persist in urban or agricultural landscapes if vegetation remains.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; prefers to dive rather than fly

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small loose groups where habitat is favorable. Builds a floating nest hidden among reeds or other emergent plants; both sexes incubate and tend the young. Adults often carry chicks on their backs while foraging. Territorial during breeding, using cover to avoid open-water confrontations.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations include soft trills, whinnying notes, and repeated, tinkling calls, especially during courtship and territorial encounters. Calls are modest in volume and often delivered from within dense vegetation.

Diet

Feeds mainly on aquatic insects and their larvae, such as beetles and dragonfly nymphs. Also takes small crustaceans, tadpoles, and occasionally tiny fish. Captures prey by short, foot-propelled dives and by gleaning from the surface or among vegetation. Swallows small items underwater and brings larger prey to the surface.

Preferred Environment

Forages in calm, shallow waters with abundant emergent plants that provide cover. Often works edges of ponds, channels, and vegetated coves, rarely venturing into open water for long.