The paint-billed crake is a species of bird in the subfamily Rallinae of the rail, crake, and coot family Rallidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Panama, every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica and Panama through much of northern and central South America, absent from Chile and Uruguay. It inhabits marshes, wet meadows, flooded savannas, rice fields, and the vegetated margins of ponds and slow streams. Prefers areas with dense grasses, sedges, and emergent vegetation for cover. It will also occupy temporary wetlands created by seasonal rains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive rail is more often heard than seen, slipping through dense marsh vegetation with remarkable stealth. Its name comes from the striking bicolored bill, painted red at the base and yellow toward the tip, and it also shows a vivid red eye. It readily uses human-altered wetlands like rice fields, which can make it locally common but still hard to detect. After heavy rains it may appear in newly flooded fields and pastures.
Paint-billed crake on Floreana Island in the Galápagos
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and brief flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense cover. Nests are placed low and hidden in thick marsh vegetation. Likely forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season, with both adults attending the nest. Outside breeding, individuals may use overlapping feeding areas where habitat is suitable.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, piping whistles and repetitive squeaks, often given from cover at dawn and dusk. Calls may accelerate into brief series when birds are excited or communicating with mates.
