Russet-crowned Crake Rufirallus viridis Scientific name definitions

Smaller than the congeneric Chestnut-headed Crake (Rufirallus castaneiceps), the Russet-crowned Crake is further distinguished by having the entire underparts rufous, rather than dark brown from the belly rearwards. The two species are also completely different in terms of their vocalisations. The Russet-crowned Crake is a wide-ranging species, being found over the greater part of Amazonia, as well as more locally in eastern Brazil and in the middle Magdalena Valley of Colombia. This crake prefers dense thickets of second growth, waste ground, wet pastures and bushy savanna, and is not a strict inhabitant of marshes. It has been recorded to at least 1,200 m, and is far from being strictly terrestrial, as it regularly climbs on low trees and bushes. Very little has been published on its ecology, although the nest has been described, and the species is generally assumed to breed in the first six months of the year.

16–18 cm; male 55–63 g, female 69–73 g. Smallest Anurolimnas, with relatively long tail. Sexes alike. Distinguished from Chestnut-headed Crake (Rufirallus castaneiceps) and Red-legged Crake (Rallina fasciata) by grey face and entirely rufous underparts ; also from Chestnut-headed Crake by mottled ashy brown and rufous underwing-coverts, and black bill . Very similar Uniform Crake (Amaurolimnas concolor) has brown-tinged face, is more uniform rufous brown above and below, and has yellowish green bill. Juvenile light brown, with black mask on face and bill and legs dull pink instead of red; iris black. Subspecies brunnescens browner on upperparts, paler on head and underparts, and slightly larger.

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Sometimes placed in genus Laterallus, which it resembles in voice. Two subspecies recognized.

Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Dense thickets of secondary growth saplings at forest edge, thickly overgrown wasteland, damp grassy or bushy pastures, overgrown roadsides , and gardens at edges of towns and villages. Not normally a marsh bird, but in Venezuela recorded from swamps. Mainly terrestrial, but climbs freely in branches of bushes. Occurs up to 1,200 m.

Very little information available. Insects, including ants, and grass seeds. Forages  within cover.

Loose, churring rattle, similar to calls of Rufous-sided Crake (Laterallus melanophaius) and White-throated Crake (Laterallus albigularis) but slower and louder; also resembles call of Red-legged Crake (Rallina fasciata). Most vocal in evening and early morning.

Breeds January–June. Nest a ball of dead grass with a side entrance, sometimes with a ladder-like entrance ramp, hidden c. 1 m up in branches of shrubs, or in coarse herbage, in dense vegetation. Eggs 1–3. Chicks  have black down. No other information.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Seldom seen because of skulking habits, but calls frequently; subspecies <em>viridis</em> is thought to be common over much of its extensive range; status of brunnescens not known but is likely to be similar.