Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

The limpkin (Aramus guarauna), also called carrao, courlan, and crying bird, is a large wading bird related to rails and cranes, and the only extant species in the family Aramidae.

Family: Aramidae Order: Gruiformes Conservation: Least Concern
Limpkin

About the Limpkin

The limpkin (Aramus guarauna), also called carrao, courlan, and crying bird, is a large wading bird related to rails and cranes, and the only extant species in the family Aramidae. It is found mostly in wetlands in warm parts of the Americas, from Florida to northern Argentina, but has been spotted as far north as Wisconsin and Southern Ontario. It feeds on molluscs, with the diet dominated by apple snails of the genus Pomacea. Its name derives from its seeming limp when it walks.

Fun Facts About Limpkin

  • The limpkin (Aramus guarauna), also called carrao, courlan, and crying bird, is a large wading bird related to rails and cranes, and the only extant species in the family Aramidae.
  • It feeds on molluscs, with the diet dominated by apple snails of the genus Pomacea.

Conservation Status

The Limpkin is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderGruiformes
FamilyAramidae
GenusAramus
SpeciesAramus guarauna

Range & Habitat

Range map of Limpkin

🛍️ Limpkin Gifts & Merch

Show your love for limpkins! Find t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, mugs, and more at our store.

Browse Limpkin Merch →