The plumbeous 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, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal lowlands to Andean valleys across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (southern), Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. It favors freshwater and brackish marshes, reedbeds, wet meadows, rice fields, pond and lake margins, and slow streams. The species tolerates disturbed habitats and often occupies agricultural wetlands. In the Andes it uses marshy valley bottoms and puna wetlands, while farther south it frequents temperate marshes and estuaries.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4300 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The plumbeous rail is a fairly large, slate-gray rail that is often bolder and more visible than many of its relatives, frequently venturing into open marsh edges and rice paddies. It is widely distributed across southern and Andean South America and adapts well to both natural wetlands and human-modified habitats. Pairs keep in contact with loud, far-carrying calls and often duet. Despite being secretive at times, it can be surprisingly approachable where undisturbed.
Temperament
generally shy but can be confiding near cover
Flight Pattern
reluctant flier; short, low flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs; pairs maintain territories in dense wetland vegetation. Nest is a cup of grasses or reeds well hidden above damp ground or shallow water. Both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing. Outside breeding, may gather loosely where food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and carry far, including sharp squeals, grating screeches, and rhythmic series of kek or ki notes. Pairs often duet, with antiphonal exchanges that accelerate then slow.
Plumage
Mostly uniform slate-gray head, neck, and underparts with olive-brown to brown upperparts; flanks often show fine whitish barring; undertail coverts can be rufous-buff.
Diet
Takes a wide range of invertebrates such as insects, worms, snails, and crustaceans. Also consumes seeds, grains (including rice), and occasional small vertebrates or carrion. Forages by probing soft mud, gleaning from vegetation, and picking prey along water margins.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along muddy edges of marshes, shallow water in reedbeds, ditches, rice paddies, and wet meadows. Often stays close to dense cover but will venture into open patches when undisturbed.
