The ruddy crake is a bird in the rail family, Rallidae. Other names the ruddy crake is known by are "red rail", "ruddy rail" and "red crake".
Region
Mesoamerica and Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, with populations in parts of the Greater Antilles such as Cuba and Jamaica. Prefers freshwater and brackish marshes, wet meadows, rice fields, drainage ditches, and the edges of ponds with dense emergent vegetation. Often stays close to cover, moving through tangles of reeds, sedges, and grasses. It tolerates some habitat modification and can use agricultural wetlands where cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, secretive rail of dense marshes and wet pastures, the ruddy crake is more often heard than seen. It frequently duets, delivering rapid ticking or trilling calls at dawn and dusk. Not to be confused with the extinct Red Rail of Mauritius, this species ranges naturally in Mesoamerica and parts of the Greater Antilles.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to dense cover. Nests are well-concealed structures of grasses near the ground or over shallow water. Both parents are believed to share incubation and chick care. Territorial calling and duetting are common in the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives rapid series of sharp ticking notes that accelerate, often delivered as a duet. Also emits squeaky trills and abrupt chips from deep within vegetation.
