Aramus guarauna
limpkin

Aramus guarauna is found in the southeastern United States, West Indies, and from southern Mexico to Argentina. (Peterson, 1999)

Aramus guarauna is found near fresh swamps and marshes. In Florida, it is found in open freshwater marshes, along the shores of ponds and lakes, and in wooded swamps along rivers and near springs. Throughout most of its tropical range, its habitat and distribution are dictated by the presence of apple snails. (Peterson, 1999)

Aramus guarauna appears to be a cross between a crane and a rail. It is roughly 28" tall. Aramus guarauna is of a brown coloration with white spots and streaks. It has long legs and a drooping bill. Aramus guarauna's flight is crane-like in apperance. There is very little difference between the males and females of this species. (Peterson, 1999)

Not much is known about the breeding habits of Aramus guarauna. First of all, the site for the nest varies, ranging from on the ground near water, in the marsh grass just above the water, or in shrubs or trees above or near water, up to 20 feet high or sometimes much higher. The nest is essentially a platform of reeds and grasses, lined with finer plant material. The nest usually contains 4 to 8 eggs, olive to buff, and blotched with brown and gray in color. Both sexes are known to incubate the eggs, but the incubation period is not exactly known. The young, covered with down, leave the nest within a day after hatching and follow one or both of the parents. Both parents take care of feeding the young. The development of the young and the age that they achieve flight are unknown. (Wakulla, 1999)

Aramus guarauna is mostly a solitary creature. In South America, it may move around somewhat with wet and dry seasons. It is a permanent resident in its limited United States range. Strays have very rarely wandered farther north. (Peterson, 1999) Aramus guarauna breeds year round with no particular mating season. Their breeding sites will be abandoned if their food supply runs low or if there is any human disturbance. (Cowley, 2000)

The diet of Aramus guarauna consists of freshwater snails (Apple Snails in Florida), mussels, seeds, small reptiles and frogs, insects, worms, and crayfish. (Jurica, 1999) The Limpkin forages by walking in shallow water, searching for snails visually, also by probing in mud and among vegetation. The tip of the bill usually curves slightly to the right, which may help in removing snails from their curved shell. Its bill also usually has a slight gap just behind the tips of the mandibles, which may help in carrying and manipulating snails. (Wakulla, 1999)

The only negative effect on human economy are the laws protecting the Limpkin, which can impede development of certain areas.

Although Aramus guarauna is not in danger worldwide, it was hunted to extinction in Florida during the early years of the 20th century. Legal protection, however, has helped Limpkin populations out of the danger zone. (Wakulla, 1999)

Aramus guarauna has no close relatives in the animal kingdom. It appears to be related to the Cranes and the Rails, but a part of neither family. Aramus guarauna is sometimes called the "Crying Bird" because of its distinctive call, a piercing, repeated wail, kree-ow, kra-ow, etc., especially at night and on cloudy days. (Peterson, 1999) Aramus guarauna gets the nickname "Limpkin" because of the way it walks, appearing to sometimes have a limp.