Limpkins are a small family of large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds that visually resemble ibises, but are more closely related to cranes.  They are widespread in wetlands from the southeastern U.S. to Argentina, a distribution that is generally associated with large aquatic Pomacea snails.

Since 1934, the Aramidae has generally been regarded as a single-species family, although two species were previously recognized and it appears somewhat likely that the original classification may eventually be restored.  The “Speckled Limpkin” (Aramus guarauna pictus) of North and Middle America is heavily streaked over much of its plumage, whereas the “Brown-backed Limpkin” (A. g. guarauna) of South America is mostly unstreaked.  Both forms have wide vocal repertoires that include loud, far-carrying “carr-rr-rao” calls, but there appear to be consistent differences that may prove to be significant.