The russet-naped wood rail measures 38 cm (15 in) long and weighs 460 g (16 oz).
The upperparts are olive green to dark brown.
The head and neck are medium-grey, blending into a brown patch at the back of the head.
The eyes are red.
The chest and flanks are rufous.
The belly, rump and tail are black.
Legs are coral-red.
Males and females are similar.
Immatures are similar to adults but belly sooty-black, flecked with buff.
 It used to be considered a subspecies of the grey-cowled wood rail.
The russet-naped wood rail measures 38 cm (15 in) long and weighs 460 g (16 oz). The upperparts are olive green to dark brown. The head and neck are medium-grey, blending into a brown patch at the back of the head. The eyes are red. The chest and flanks are rufous. The belly, rump and tail are black. Legs are coral-red. Males and females are similar. Immatures are similar to adults but belly sooty-black, flecked with buff.  It used to be considered a subspecies of the grey-cowled wood rail.
Russet-naped wood rail