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King Rail

Rallus elegans ORDER: GRUIFORMES FAMILY: RALLIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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King Rail Photo

© L.B.Wales / CLO

A large rail of freshwater marshes, the King Rail has declined alarmingly in much of its range over the last 40 years.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Shorebirdlike
Shorebirdlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized, chicken-like marsh bird.
  • Compact body.
  • Short tail.
  • Strong legs.
  • Long, slightly down-curved bill.
  • Reddish chest, neck, and back.
  • Black-and-white stripes on flanks.

Immature Description

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

Range Map Help

King Rail Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Clapper Rail is very similar, but generally is more grayish, has gray face, and less distinct flank stripes.
  • Virginia Rail is smaller, has gray face, and brighter colored bill.