Mangrove Rail
NameMangrove Rail
Common NameMangrove Rail
Scientific NameRallus crepitans
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)36.5
Weight (g)285
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are brownish-gray with darker streaking, while the underparts are buffy to cinnamon, often featuring prominent white barring on the flanks. The throat is pale, and the bill is orange-yellow with a dusky tip.
Vocalization / CallA loud, clattering 'kek-kek-kek-kek' call, often likened to two sticks being clapped together. It also produces various grunts and squeals.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCoastal salt marshes and mangrove swamps along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, extending south to the Caribbean and northern South America.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slightly decurved orange-yellow bill with dusky tip, Brownish-gray upperparts, Buffy underparts with white-barred flanks, Long legs, Secretive behavior in dense marsh vegetation
Description
The Mangrove Rail is a medium-sized, secretive marsh bird typically found walking or running through dense coastal vegetation. It possesses a long, slender, slightly decurved bill and is often heard more than seen, producing a distinctive clattering call.
