Limpkin
© Danny Bales
Florida is the only state in the U.S. where Limpkins breed. They are thought to be closely related to cranes and can be found year-round throughout Florida except for the western panhandle. When they aren’t searching for apple snails and freshwater clams, Limpkins can often be found sitting on snags or skulking in reed beds close to the water’s edge. They are locally known as the "wailing bird" or "crying bird" due to their loud mournful call, usually issued at night by territorial males. The Limpkin is listed in Florida as a species of special concern due to habitat loss.
For more information, including a range map and sound recording, visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website.
Recommended GFBWT sites:
- Celery Fields
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Green Cay Wetlands & Nature Center
- Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
- Myakka River State Park
- Orlando Wetlands Park
- Rainbow River / Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve
- Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera (Viera Wetlands)
- Saddle Creek Park
-
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Bird's habitat
Limpkins are typically found feeding in freshwater marshes and swamps, and along rivers and lakes.
