Birds of North AmericaLimpkinAramus guarauna
Life, Habitat & Pictures of the Limpkin
Written by: Bruce Di Labio French: Courlan Widespread in the American tropics, this odd looking bird resembles something between a crane and a rail. In United States it can be only found in the south eastern states of Florida and southern Georgia where it feeds mainly on apple snails. As a vagrant it has been recorded in Nova Scotia. Mostly solitary and easy to overlook, it is hard to miss their wailing, piercing call ``kree-ow, kra-ow`` heard mainly at night. In Florida, it can be found in freshwater marshes, ponds, lakes and in wooded swamps as it searches for snails, insects, worms, frogs or lizards. The Limpkin is easily recognized by its overall chocolate brown plumage with white streaks on the head, neck and back and long slightly down curved bill. Its long legs are a dull grayish green. Locally common in swamps and wetlands, it feeds by wading or swimming in search of food. The Limpkin was almost hunted to extinction during the late 19th century but with legal protection in Florida, it has made a good comeback. The name Limpkin is derived from the word “limp” and refers to the awkward gait of this species. Return Limpkin back to Wading Birds Classic Collection of North American Birds
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