AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Aramides axillaris
Rufous-necked Wood-Rail
Lawrence, 1863
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized, elegant wood-rail with a rich, colorful plumage. It is characterized by a bright rufous-chestnut head, neck, and upper breast, contrasting beautifully with a distinct bluish-grey lower breast and upper mantle. The back and wings are olive-green, changing to solid black on the rump and tail. It features a striking, long yellowish-green bill with a reddish base, bright red irises, and long, sturdy coral-red legs.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gruiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Rallidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Aramides
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lawrence, 1863
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Primarily inhabits coastal wetlands, favoring mangrove forests, estuarine borders, and coastal dense thickets. In some areas of its range, it also ventures into humid and dry lowland forests, wet coastal pastures, and secondary growth near water bodies.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly secretive and wary, but can become surprisingly bold where undisturbed. They forage during the day on muddy shores or inside dense cover. When startled, they prefer to run swiftly into the vegetation rather than take flight.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Usually found in pairs or small family groups. They maintain stable year-round territories, actively vocalizing in synchronization to signal occupancy and deter neighboring pairs.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Palustrine omnivore and invertivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
An omnivorous forager. Diet consists predominantly of small crabs, marine invertebrates, insects, earthworms, snails, and small frogs, supplemented by seeds, berries, and fallen fruits. It falls prey to large snakes, caimans, raptors, and coastal carnivorous mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Monogamous. The nest is a bulky, shallow saucer constructed of twigs, roots, and dry leaves, typical placed in a low mangrove fork or dense bush 1 to 3 meters above the water or ground. Clutch consists of 3 to 5 creamy-buff eggs blotched with brown. Both parents share incubation and defend the territory fiercely.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
29.0 - 33.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
200 g - 320 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 5
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
18 - 22
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 9 Years
Females5 - 9 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Equipped with elongated, exceptionally strong legs and unwebbed feet adapted for running agilely over wet mudflat substrates, tangled mangrove roots, and coastal forest floors.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Severe destruction and conversion of mangrove ecosystems for shrimp aquaculture, coastal urban development, and pollution from nearby human settlements.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Like other Aramides species, it delivers loud, raucous duets early in the morning and at dusk, consisting of rhythmic cackling phrases that echo through the dense mangroves.