Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #35

By Jim Gain

6/9/2023

• Scientific Name: Laterallus ruber
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Polluela Canela
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: RUCR
• Family: Rallidae – Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
• Order: Gruiformes – Cranes and Rails

About this Species

The Ruddy Crake (Laterallus ruber) is a small, secretive bird that inhabits the dense marshes and wetlands of Belize. It is a member of the rail family and measures about 6 in. in length, with a reddish-brown plumage and a short, thick bill. Its legs are also short and strong, enabling it to move quickly through the dense vegetation of its habitat.

Ruddy Crakes are primarily nocturnal and solitary birds, making them difficult to spot in the wild. They are known for their distinctive call, which is a series of sharp, high-pitched whistles. They feed on a variety of insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter, which they forage for in the marshy areas where they live. Breeding season for Ruddy Crakes typically occurs from April to June, with males attracting mates through a series of vocalizations and displays.

Despite being a relatively common species in Belize, the Ruddy Crake is still considered vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the wetland areas where they live and ensure their survival in the region.

>> Next Post on Sunday, 6/11/2023 – Roadside Hawk

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin