Black Rail

Black Rail

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

The smallest rail in North America, the Black Rail is perhaps the most secretive too. This small denizen of shallow salt and freshwater marshes is rarely seen and its distinctive "kick-ee-doo" call is heard primarily at night.

Description

• Small marshbird.
• Difficult to see; runs under vegetation.
• Blackish.
• Black bill.

• Size: 10-15 cm (4-6 in)
• Wingspan: 22-28 cm (9-11 in)
• Weight: 29 g (1.02 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes similar, but female with paler throat and undertail.

Sound

Call a three-noted, nasal "kickee-doo" or "kic-kic-kerr."

Conservation Status

Difficult to estimate populations. Some populations appear to be declining. Considered Endangered in Arizon, Threatened in California.

Other Names

Rale noir (French)
Gallinetia negra, Pidencillo, Polluela negra, Burrito negruzco, Gallinetita rayas blancas, Taquita de salinas, Gallinuelita prieta (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The Black Rail uses areas with shallower water than other North American rails.

Sources used to construct this page:

Eddleman, W. R., R. E. Flores, and M. Legare. 1994. Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis). In The Birds of North America, No. 123 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union.