Birdsong field guide
Colombian Crake
Mustelirallus colombianus
The Colombian Crake is a small, secretive wetland bird characterized by its uniform brownish-buff plumage and a distinctive red patch at the base of its bill. It belongs to a genus of rails that are often more easily heard than seen within their dense marshy habitats.
What it sounds like
A rapid, rhythmic series of dry 'cuk' or 'ticking' notes, often accelerating into a mechanical rattle.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Taxonomically moved from the genus Neocrex to Mustelirallus following recent phylogenetic analysis.
- Distinguished from the related Paint-billed Crake by its lack of heavy barring on the flanks and undertail coverts.
- Possesses striking olive-green or yellowish legs that contrast with its tawny-brown underparts.
- Despite its name, its range extends beyond Colombia into Panama and western Ecuador.
- The species is highly elusive, typically only flushing when nearly stepped upon in tall, wet grass.
Habitat
Damp grasslands, marsh edges, flooded pastures, and humid secondary scrub.
Range
Discontinuous populations in Panama, northern and western Colombia, and western Ecuador.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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