Clapper Rail
NameClapper Rail
Common NameClapper Rail
Scientific NameRallus crepitans
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)36.5
Weight (g)275
Plumage DetailsOverall brownish-gray plumage with darker streaking on the back and prominent white barring on the flanks. It has a pale throat, a long, slightly decurved orange-yellow bill, and white undertail coverts.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, clattering 'kek-kek-kek-kek' call, often described as a 'clapping' sound, which can be heard year-round, especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal salt and brackish marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, extending south into the Caribbean islands.
Identifying Featureslong, slightly decurved orange bill, streaked flanks, white undertail coverts, secretive behavior in dense marsh vegetation, loud clattering call
Description
The Clapper Rail is a medium-sized, secretive marsh bird characterized by its long, slightly decurved orange bill and streaked flanks. It typically wades through shallow brackish or saltwater, foraging for invertebrates and small fish among dense vegetation.
