Limpkins courting

 

I knew when I heard it. A loud, mournful call. 

I was exploring the east side of the pond behind the Springlakes tennis courts. I saw two Limpkins on the shore. 

Once you hear their incredible call, you'll remember. (The sound is often used by filmmakers to simulate tropical jungle habitats.)

Before I had a chance to focus my camera they mated. The sequence went like this.

She turned to look at him.

After, the Limpkins began skulking along the muddy shore. 

At first glance you might think a Limpkin is a crane, but when you watch it walk you'll see its gait differs from a crane's gait. A Limpkin limps!

It wasn't long before I realized why they were wading here. Apple snail after apple snail, this shore is a good place to courtship feed. In Florida where the Limpkin has been best studied, its diet is almost exclusively apple snails which it skillfully finds and opens with the air of a bent and twisted bill tip (Birds of the World). 

Limpkins lay their eggs in late February, early March. I'll be looking for the nest. 

If you're super curious about their young, look at this wonderful video.

Sunday, February 20, 2022, 7:30 - 8:30 AM