The Grey-breasted Crake (Laterallus exilis – Rallinae) is known for its vocal presence, often responding to playback, yet remains a highly elusive species typically hidden within dense thickets or marsh vegetation.
Paying closer attention during 2018 to presently, we were able to pick out the bird’s distinctive call at various freshwater wetland birding spots; however, photographic evidence was not captured at those times due to the bird’s elusive nature. Until now, we believe that no other birders have been able to confidently photograph the species in Trinidad.
In May 2021, within the brackish wetlands of Sumaria Trace, north Trinidad, West Indies, an individual Grey-breasted Crake was finally glimpsed after a dedicated 2.5-hour effort. The shy bird emerged into the open for only a few fleeting seconds after 6 pm, offering a brief reward before disappearing back into cover.
