Limpkin
I almost missed this tropical bird, a Limpkin, foraging a freshwater swamp.
Although it resembles herons and ibises in general form, the Limpkin is generally considered to be more closely related to rails and cranes.
Limpkin
The Limpkin was hunting for apple snails (its favorite), frogs, lizards, and crustaceans.
Limpkin with snack
Limpkin foraging
Limpkin foraging
Limpkin foraging
“Fluffin’ the Feathers”
Although it resembles herons and ibises in general form, the Limpkin is generally considered to be more closely related to rails and cranes.
Limpkin
— Photos taken in Big Cypress National Preserve.
(An update, I have taken photos before of this beautiful, tropical bird but found out that the Limpkin was still not on my lifer list. Sooooo…..the Limpkin now is my #196.)
Photos by Donna 
Great captures of the Limpkin! Thanks for the information about them. The only place I’ve ever seen them was west of Gainesville, Florida, near the Suwanee River.
Thank you! I read last night that they are very shy and on the decline in population in Florida much to do with habitat loss. They are widespread in the tropics thankfully!
Great images Donna! I have only seen a Limpkin once in my travels! Fun to see your images of this hard to find bird!
Thank you, Reed! I had only seen one once before several years ago, so I was very happy to see this one that camouflaged pretty well in the swamp. I almost missed it!
I’ve never heard of this bird before, so many thanks for sharing this post, Donna. 😊
Thank you, and you’re welcome, Mike! 😊
Great photos of a beautiful bird. The limpkin is new to me too.
Thank you, Imorgana! I got lucky a few years ago on seeing one, it was a delight to find it again. 😊
A new species for me…excellent shots!
Thank you, Indira!
Really shy birds and I rarely see any postings with this many great photographs of one. Nice work.
Thank you, Ted! It was just me and the Limpkin; once s/he knew I was watching, I gave it space and s/he got right back to foraging. I really enjoyed this encounter. 🙂
I too had not been aware of this bird Donna! Terrific captures of it in its natural environment. I always enjoy learning something new and interesting from your well written narratives!
Thank you, Steve, it was a wonderful encounter!
What a different looking bird. The body looks round like a turkey to me. 😂 Nice images as it is foraging, Donna! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you, Al! It does seem to be a mix of several birds. 🙂
It’s a very attractive bird! Great photos, Donna. 😎🌴
Thank you, John! 🙂
This is the first time I have ever heard of this bird. Very interesting! Wonderful photos!
Thank you, shy and beautiful, I was lucky it caught my eye in its hiding. 🙂
How cute. The shape of it reminds me of a tiny, spotted Ostrich with a really long beak.
Thank you, Vic! 😊
I’m glad you didn’t miss it!
Me too, thanks Deborah!
An attractive bird, wonderful patterns in its feathers and those feet 😊. Excellent photos, Donna!
Thank you, Belinda! I read those feet are perfect for running on top of lily pads. 😊
That was a bird that I had never heard of before. Good pictures.
Thank you, Tom!
This is a new one to me. Very pretty!
Thank you, Eliza!
Great captures of this interesting, shy bird. Glad you looked at just the right time—they are easy to miss.
Thank you, Ellen, if it hadn’t moved, I would have, it camouflaged well. 🙂
Great shots, Donna! Big Cypress is a wonderful place to bird!
Thank you, I am very happy we selected Everglades City for our vacation, it has been an awesome pivot point for so many parks and preserves including Big Cypress. It’s been a WOW every day everywhere we go!
A very interesting and beautiful bird which we never see here Donna, your photos showcase it excellently.
Thank you, Ashley, I was very excited with this encounter, I couldn’t wait to get home and download them. 🙂
We too, don’t see this charming bird here. So, it’s a real treat to view them through your photos 🙂 Lovely!
Thank you, Takami! It was a special encounter and the habitat setting was nice too! 🙂
What a privilege! Several years birding in the swamps and I have yet to come across a Limpkin. So far, they’ve lain hidden from me. Great photos! William — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104 The Message
Thank you, William! It was a wonderful gift to encounter! 🙂
Never heard of it before so thank you Professor Donna 🙂 and nice shots of it.
Thank you, David! 😊
She is sooo pretty, Donna. One of the birds on my wish list, but I won’t find this one in Colorado. 🙂
Thank you, Tanja! I went yesterday to the same location I found this Limpkin to see if it was possibly around again, but it wasn’t. So glad I didn’t miss this beauty the first time!
I’m glad for you, too! 🙂