Rails
Birds of the family Rallidae are called rails. The birds' bodies are
usually narrow enough to enable them to slip through dense vegetation,
such as in the marshes they typically inhabit. Rails ordinarily remain
on the ground and are difficult to flush, secretive, and sometimes
nocturnal in habit. Commonly heard rather than seen, they emit certain
calls and squawks characteristic of the species. These small- to
medium-size birds have moderate to long legs and long toes, which are
advantageous for walking or running over soft ground. They often flick
their short tails, which are cocked upward. They are usually but not
always colored gray, brown, and dull red; the plumage usually has a
loose texture, and the sexes look alike. Bills range from stubby to
elongate, depending on the species. Rails are omnivorous, but many
species predominantly eat small animals. Their nests generally are well
hidden and well separated. Clutches often contain 6 to 12 eggs, and both
sexes usually participate in incubating them. The young at hatching are
covered by a black or brownish down in most species and leave the nest
immediately after hatching.
» Length: 7.5 inches Wingspan: 14 inches
» Fairly small, chunky, short-tailed, round-winged, ground-dwelling marsh bird
» Long, slightly decurved bill
» Most often seen walking, rarely flies
» Often flicks and cocks short tail while walking, exposing white undertail coverts
» Sexes similar
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