Quite common in wetlands, swamps, marshes and lake edges, it is the commonest rail in southern South America. In the northern part of its range it is sometimes described as two subspecies: simonsi on the coast and at low altitudes, tschudii at higher altitudes (2000-4400m) in the Andes. In the southern Patagonian form (luridus) the bright bill base colors are often absent. Local names: gallineta comun, pidén, gallineta de pico rojo y azul, sana.