Virginia Rail
NameVirginia Rail
Common NameVirginia Rail
Scientific NameRallus limicola
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)23.5
Weight (g)80
Plumage DetailsThis rail has a dark brown back, rich reddish-brown flanks and underparts, and a distinctive gray face and nape. Its sides are boldly barred with black and white, and it has a short white undertail. The bill is long, slender, and slightly downcurved, bright orange with a dark tip.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive 'kid-ick' or 'tick-it' call, often repeated. It also produces a series of grunts, squeaks, and clattering sounds, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of North America, from southern Canada through the central and eastern United States. Winters in the southern U.S. and Mexico, with some populations being resident year-round in warmer regions.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender, slightly downcurved orange bill with dark tip, Gray face and nape, Rich reddish-brown flanks and underparts, Bold black and white barring on sides, Secretive behavior in dense marsh vegetation
Description
The Virginia Rail is a small, secretive marsh bird with a slender body adapted for navigating dense vegetation. It typically forages in shallow water or mud, using its long bill to probe for invertebrates. Despite its widespread range, it is often heard more than seen due to its elusive nature.
