Limpkin

Florida is the only state in the US where Limpkins breed. They can be found throughout Florida year round. They are related to cranes and rails. They look very similiar to rails but have a larger body and a slightly curved bill. It feeds mainly on apple snails but will eat tadpoles and frogs if need be. They are also called the crying bird because of screaming sound they make. They have a wide range of nesting sites, mounds of aquatic vegetation, marsh grasses, cypress knees and high in trees. The male is primarily the nest builder before
mating takes place. The female lays a clutch frome three to eight eggs. The eggs are laid daily until the clutch is completed and incubation does not start until all the eggs are laid. Incubation period is about 27 days and all the eggs
hatch within a 24 hour period. The little ones reach adulthood at 7 weeks and leave their parents at 16 weeks. Males also have exclusive territories. They also are fed by both parents.