Habitat: This species can be found along forested streams and rivers, in swampy wooded areas and in mangrove swamps. They are found in the lowlands on the Caribbean and Pacific side of Panama. Distribution: This species has been reported from central Mexico to Bolivia, northern Argentina and Uruguay. Natural History Notes: The Gray-necked wood-rail is the largest rail species reported from Panama. This bird will usually feed at night and its diet consists mostly of crabs. Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). It is a resident species. Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 14 inches and 16 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The first element that catch our attention is the iris and the eye-ring that are brilliant red. Then, this bird is characterized by a long bill, yellow at the base and more green at the tip, and red legs. The head and the long neck are gray but show some brown on the crown and some white on the throat. The plumage above is olive brown, the breast and sides are rufous red and the belly, rumo and tail are all black. The primaries (line of wing feathers furthest to the body) have a rufous-chestnut coloration.