The rusty-flanked crake is a Vulnerable species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Northern Venezuela
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily along the coastal cordillera and adjacent lowlands, including marshes and wet grasslands around valleys and lake basins. Prefers dense emergent vegetation such as sedges and cattails, as well as rank grasses along slow streams and pond margins. It also uses edges of mangroves and occasionally rice fields or fallow wet pastures where cover is sufficient. The species keeps close to cover and rarely ventures into open water or bare mud. Localized populations are isolated by extensive habitat alteration.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive crake is confined to northern Venezuela, where it inhabits dense marsh and wet grass habitats. It is more often heard than seen and may respond to playback with duet-like calls. Habitat loss from wetland drainage and pollution is the primary threat, leading to its Vulnerable status. Conservation focuses on protecting lowland marshes and riparian vegetation within its fragmented range.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant to fly
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, staying within dense cover. Nests are placed low in thick vegetation, often domed or well-concealed with side entrances. Breeding behavior includes vocal duets between mates and strong territorial defense within suitable marsh patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of high, piping whistles and squeaks, often delivered in accelerating sequences. Pairs may duet antiphonally, with calls carrying at dawn and dusk through dense marsh cover.
Plumage
Slate-gray face and underparts contrast with warm rusty-brown upperparts and flanks; fine darker barring may be present on the belly and undertail. Back and wings show a rich rufous-brown tone that blends into dense marsh vegetation. The overall appearance is compact with short tail and rounded wings.
Diet
Feeds on small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, crustaceans, and snails, supplemented by seeds and tender plant material. It forages by probing and gleaning among wet leaf litter, sedge bases, and shallow margins. Opportunistically takes small aquatic larvae and fallen seeds where available.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense emergent vegetation, at the edges of marsh pools, and along shaded stream margins. Will use rice paddies, wet pastures, and mangrove edges when cover is adequate and disturbance is low.
