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Clapper Rail

Rallus longirostris ORDER: GRUIFORMES FAMILY: RALLIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Clapper Rail Photo

© Marie Read

The large Clapper Rail is abundant in saltwater marshes and mangrove swamps from Massachusetts to South America.

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin

Appearance

Shorebirdlike
Shorebirdlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized, chicken-like marsh bird.
  • Compact body.
  • Short tail.
  • Strong legs.
  • Long, slightly down-curved bill.
  • Gray or reddish.
  • Dull stripes on flanks.

Immature Description

Downy chick black. Juvenile similar to adult, but marking indistinct and with variable amount of black on sides.

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Clapper Rail Range Map
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Similar Species

  • King Rail is very similar, but generally is more reddish, face more rusty, and flank stripes more distinct.
  • Virginia Rail is smaller, is bright reddish, and has brighter colored bill.