Clapper Rail Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesClapper Rail
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, 2019Adult
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, 2013Adult
Typically stays hidden in dense marsh vegetation. Look for them at edges and openings as they pause to look around.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryTexasImmature
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, 2012Adult
Slender, chickenlike rail that often holds its tail up.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryGuánica, April 21, 2014Adult
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, 2006Similar SpeciesRidgway's Rail
Adult
The Ridgway's Rail is very similar, but their ranges do not overlap. Is is often brighter than the Clapper Rail.
© Antonio Xeira / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 22, 2016Similar SpeciesVirginia Rail
Adult
Virginia Rails are smaller with a brighter orange bill and a more distinctive gray cheek patch than Clapper Rails.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, May 06, 2016Similar SpeciesKing Rail
Adult
King Rails have more distinct striping on the flanks than Clapper Rails.
© Luke Seitz / Macaulay LibraryMaine, July 12, 2016Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
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