What drives the grey-cowled wood rail (Aramides cajaneus) presence along urbanization gradients in tourist resorts?

The grey-cowled wood rail (Aramides cajaneus) is a widely distributed species in the Neotropics. However, its habitat requirements have not been thoroughly analyzed. The rail has expanded its presence in Argentina, particularly in urban areas. This study aimed to investigate habitat selection by Aramides cajaneus along an urbanization gradient in a tourist coastal resort. Point count surveys were conducted during the breeding season. The presence of rails was associated with the percentage cover of houses, lawns, shrubs, and trees, as well as pedestrian traffic and noise levels. Rail presence was positively correlated with lawn cover. The findings suggest that lawns provide a suitable foraging substrate that supports the presence of rails in tourist areas.