Clapper Rail Identification
Clapper Rail Photos and Videos
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.
© Joe Girgente | Macaulay LibraryVirginia, May 28, 2019
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
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
Adult
Slender, chickenlike rail that often holds its tail up.
© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryGuánica, April 21, 2014
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
between robin and crowMeasurements
- 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)
Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.