Sora Similar Species Comparison
Similar Species
Virginia Rail
Adult
The Virginia Rail has a longer and redder bill than a Sora. Note the reddish neck on Virginia Rail and gray neck on Sora.
© Evan Lipton | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, May 06, 2016Similar Species
Yellow Rail
Adult
The Yellow Rail is smaller than a Sora and much more difficult to see. It has a golden hue to it unlike the Sora.
© Hugues Brunoni | Macaulay LibraryQuebec, July 11, 1997Similar Species
Black Rail
Adult (Northern)
The Black Rail is smaller than a Sora and much more difficult to see. It is darker overall than a Sora and has a smaller black bill.
© Tom Johnson | Macaulay LibraryNew JerseyMain Species
Sora
Adult
Small secretive bird of freshwater marshes. The short tail is often held up showing white underneath. The face is gray with a black mask and a thick and stubby yellow bill, reminiscent of candy corn.
© Ryan Yann | Macaulay LibraryIndiana, April 21, 2018Adult
Small rail of shallow freshwater wetlands with dense emergent vegetation. Uses brackish marshes during migration. Note stubby yellow, bill, black mask, and gray cheek.
© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 04, 2016Adult
Walks through shallow wetlands with a jerking motion flicking and raising its tail.
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Juvenile
Juveniles are pale below and brown above with a buffy face. Found in shallow wetlands with a lot of emergent vegetation.
© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryNew York, July 17, 2016Adult
In flight, note relatively long wings with a pale trailing edge.
© wes serafin | Macaulay LibraryIllinois, April 28, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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