[5] The ruddy crake has a short black conical bill, and it has wide spread feet specifically adapted for wet habitats.

[6] The ruddy crake, similar to others in the Rallidae family, prefers wet pastures and marshes, especially the tall grasses.

[5] The ruddy crake populates the lowlands of the Caribbean, including areas of the Veracruz east, Yucatan Peninsula, and Honduras.

[4] The ruddy crake was listed as possibly extinct by the Asociación Ornitológica de Costa Rica because there were no sightings for two decades.

However, in May 2007 a ruddy crake was viewed near the trail by the La Selva Biological Research Station, indicating a widespread range.

[6] Deforestation and habitat degradation has caused decreases in the population of ruddy crakes, but land preservation by governments and other conservation groups have benefited the species.