Aztec Rail
Rallus tenuirostris
The Aztec Rail (Rallus tenuirostris) is a rare rails, gallinules, and coot found only in Mexico, weighing about 306 g. The Aztec rail or Mexican rail, is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots.
About the Aztec Rail
The Aztec rail or Mexican rail, is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Rallinae of family Rallidae, the rails, gallinules, and coots. It is endemic to Mexico.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Aztec rail is 33 to 42 cm (13 to 17 in) long. Males weigh 271 to 331 g (9.6 to 12 oz) and females 220 to 268 g (7.8 to 9.5 oz). The sexes have similar plumage. The species has dark and light morphs. The dark morph has rich brown upperparts with blackish markings on the back. It has a pale pinkish cheek stripe and a white chin and throat. Its underparts are rufous with dull brown and white to pinkish cinnamon barring on the flanks and white undertail coverts. The light morph's underparts have a pale white center with a pinkish cinnamon wash. Voice: The Aztec rail's courtship calls are a "loud, harsh series of 'kik' or 'kuk'" notes. Both sexes make "a series of 'chac' notes" as an "advertising call". The also give a "soft, rapid 'tuk'."
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Aztec Rail?
- The Aztec rail is 33 to 42 cm (13 to 17 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Aztec Rail?
- The Aztec Rail is a large sized bird weighing about 306 g.
- Where can you see an Aztec Rail?
- The Aztec Rail is endemic to Mexico, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to an Aztec Rail?
- The Aztec Rail is most easily confused with the Ecuadorian Rail, the Austral Rail and the Madagascar Rail.
- Is the Aztec Rail endangered?
- The Aztec Rail is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Aztec Rail for real
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