Rufous-sided Crake (Laterallus melanophaius)

Identification & Behavior: ~15 cm (6 in). The Rufous-sided Crake has rufous on the cheeks, neck, and breast. The throat, center of neck, and belly are white. The upperparts are olive. The legs are brownish. The flanks and vent are black with white bands.  It favors wet grass along oxbow lakes and slow-moving arms of major rivers. It resembles the Russet-crowned Crake but is distinguished by white throat and pale center of throat, breast, and belly, banded lower belly, and brownish legs.

Status: The Rufous-sided Crake is common in the Amazonian lowlands and it is known to range up to 1,200 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Gallineta de Flanco Rufo.

Sub-species: Rufous-sided Crake (Laterallus melanophaius oenops) Sclater & Salvin, 1880.

Meaning of Name: Laterallus: L. lateralis, latus= side, with the sides and rallus=specific name for genus Rallus. melanophaius: Gr. melas= dark, black; and phaios= gray.

See more of the Family Rallidae