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Clapper Rail Identification

Clapper Rail Adult
Adult

Large, slender chickenlike rail with a long, slightly curved bill and short tail. Note gray cheek patches. Plumage color varies from cinnamon to grayish depending on location.

© Brooke Miller | Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 23, 2014
Clapper Rail Adult
Adult

Large, slender chickenlike rail with a long, slightly curved bill. Note gray cheek patches. Plumage color varies from cinnamon to grayish depending on location. Breeds in coastal marshes and wetlands with emergent vegetation.

© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, July 13, 2013
Clapper Rail Adult
Adult

Typically stays hidden in dense marsh vegetation. Look for them at edges and openings as they pause to look around.

© Larry Arbanas | Macaulay LibraryTexas
Clapper Rail Immature
Immature

Chickenlike rail that often holds its tail up. Cheek patches are gray while the rest of the plumage varies from cinnamon to grayish depending on location.

© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, September 09, 2012
Clapper Rail Adult
Adult

Slender, chickenlike rail that often holds its tail up.

© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryGuánica, April 21, 2014
Clapper Rail Adult
Adult

Tall, slender rail with a long, slightly curved bill. Cheeks are gray. Overall color varies from cinnamon to gray depending on location.

© Greg Cook | Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 22, 2006
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Adult Description

  • Medium-sized, chicken-like marsh bird.
  • Compact body.
  • Short tail.
  • Strong legs.
  • Long, slightly down-curved bill.
  • Rounded wings.
  • Gray or reddish; considerable variation in plumage color within many subspecies.
  • Dull stripes on flanks.
  • Males average larger than females, but the sexes are alike in plumage.

Immature Description

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

Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 12.6-16.1 in (32-41 cm)
    • Weight: 9.2-14.1 oz (260-400 g)

Species in This Family

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots(Order: Gruiformes, Family:Rallidae)

Ridgway's RailRidgway's Rail
King RailKing Rail
Clapper RailClapper Rail
Virginia RailVirginia Rail
SoraSora
Common GallinuleCommon Gallinule
American CootAmerican Coot
Purple GallinulePurple Gallinule
Yellow RailYellow Rail
Black RailBlack Rail

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