Characterization: A small species measuring about 17.5cm in length and with a contrasting rufous and pure white plumage.

Distribution: From Central America to Bolivia and Argentina; northern and eastern Brazil to Rio Grande do Sul.

Habitat: Very flooded marshes.

Habits: This is a restless twilight bird. Although it is an abundant species and lives near human habitations, its presence usually goes unnoticed because it inhabits hidden places.

Diet: Omnivorous, feeding both on grass and corn sprouts and on small water snakes, insects, and larvae.

Breeding: It lays 3 to 7 in a very large, sturdy nest made leaves and partly covered with a small side entrance built on bushes and sometimes in holes.

In the UFRA area: In the studies done at the São Francisco Sugarmill areas, this bird's distribution was limited to wetlands, forests, and fields. It is considered rare because it was only spotted seventeen times.