Predatory behaviour of Slaty-breasted wood-rail (Aramides saracura) (Gruiformes: Rallidae) on the Wrestler-frog (Leptodactylus luctator) (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46357/bcnaturais.v21i2.1051

Keywords:

Diet, Birds, Amphibians, Atlantic forest, Camera trap

Abstract

Although the literature suggests a broad diet, detailed data on the diet and predatory behaviour of Aramides saracura (Spix, 1825), particularly involving vertebrates, remain scarce. In this study, we describe the predatory behaviour of a Slaty-breasted Wood-rail preying on an adult of Leptodactylus luctator (Hudson, 1892). The event was captured using a Bushnell® camera trap set at ground level. The records reported here demonstrate that A. saracura is capable of capturing and subduing amphibians, including larger anuran species. This behaviour highlights the bird’s use of its beak as a versatile tool for capturing, shaking, and piercing prey.

Author Biographies

  • Paulo Afonso Hartmann, Federal University of Fronteira Sul

    Labratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal fa Fronteira Sul, Erechim, 99700-970, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

  • Maria Letícia Engel Leite, Federal University of Fronteira Sul

    Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Erechim, 99700-970, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

  • Marilia Hartmann, Federal University of Fronteira Sul

    Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Erechim, 99700-970, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

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Published

10/14/2026

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2026): Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Ciências Naturais

Section

Short communications

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi - Ciências Naturais

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How to Cite

Hartmann, P. A., Leite, M. L. E., & Hartmann, M. (2026). Predatory behaviour of Slaty-breasted wood-rail (Aramides saracura) (Gruiformes: Rallidae) on the Wrestler-frog (Leptodactylus luctator) (Anura: Leptodactylidae). Boletim Do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi - Ciências Naturais, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.46357/bcnaturais.v21i2.1051