Grey-necked Wood Rail

The Grey-necked Wood Rail (Aramides cajanea) is a common bird in Kabalebo. But since it is a shy and secretive bird, it is also one of the most-difficult-to-see birds. 


Grey-necked Wood Rails forage through dense vegetation or at river-edges looking for seeds, fruit, crabs or small fishes. During the past few years I saw these rails early in the mornings at river-edges or along the airstrip edge. But they also jumped back quickly into the safe dense vegetation when 'discovered'. This habit made it quite difficult for me to 'immortalize' them with my camera.


Usually heard around dawn and dusk, Grey-necked Wood Rails produce, so far I know, a loud and excited call or a sick and distressed call.
When people ask me how they sound like, I usually describe their calls as follow:
- Loud & Excited: 'Mother-in-Law being choked'
- Sick & Distressed: 'An abandoned or injured child crying for help'


I was able to record both sounds, so you'll be the judge.


Enjoy!