Blackish Rail
NameBlackish Rail
Common NameBlackish Rail
Scientific NameLaterallus jamaicensis
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)25.5
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)32.5
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly blackish-slate with fine white speckling on the back and flanks. They have bright red eyes and a short, dark bill. Legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallIts distinctive call is a sharp 'kic-kic-kerr' or 'kic-kic-doo', often given repeatedly, especially at night or dusk.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound in disjunct populations across North, Central, and South America, primarily in coastal and inland freshwater and brackish marshes.
Identifying Featuresvery small size, dark blackish plumage with white speckles, red eyes, secretive behavior in dense marsh vegetation, distinctive 'kic-kic-kerr' call
Description
The Blackish Rail is a very small, secretive marsh bird, typically heard more often than seen. It has a dark, blackish plumage with fine white speckling on its back and flanks, blending well into its dense wetland habitats.
