Gray-necked Wood Rail

The Gray-necked Wood Rail is quite difficult to encounter in the Esteros del Ibera, unlike its ubiquitous cousin, the Giant Wood Rail.  

Although similar in appearance, the Gray-necked Wood Rail is smaller, at about 36cm, and its colours are much brighter.  The head and neck are deep grey with a bright red eye and long yellow bill.  The breast is a bright rufous with the rest of the underparts black.  The legs are bright red and the tail black.

This species can often be found in trees although it tends to forage on the ground.