Recently I took a trip to Green Cay Wetlands and noticed the high number (6) of Limpkins that were out in the open. Normally this bird is relatively shy and sticks to being in thick vegetation. At the end of one of my laps I came to this Limpkin that was resting on the railing of the boardwalk, so I had to take some photos. I probably spent about 20 minutes watching this bird and it's mate feeding on snails and calling to each other.

At one point when this Limpkin was on the rail, I was amazed that it actually walked towards me while I was taking photos. It had gotten so close that I was probably no more than 6-8 feet away!

About the Limpkin

An unusual bird of southern swamps and marshes, the Limpkin reaches the northern limits of its breeding range in Florida. There, it feeds almost exclusively on apple snails, which it extracts from their shells with its long bill. Its screaming cry is unmistakable and evocative.

Range

Resident in Florida. Also throughout the West Indies, on the coasts of Mexico and Central America, and across most of South America.

Conservation Status

Once abundant in Florida, the Limpkin was almost eradicated by humans hunting for food. Conversion of wetlands for agriculture, flood control, and development have further contributed to the species' decline in Florida, estimated at about 9.1 percent per year from 1966 to 1993.

Other Names

Courlan brun (French)
Carreo (Spanish)

Sound

A loud, unmistakable scream, usually in series of four to ten at a time.
Click here to hear the Limpkin


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