Clapper Rail

Clapper Rail

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

The large Clapper Rail is abundant in saltwater marshes and mangrove swamps from Massachusetts to South America.

Description

• Medium-sized, chicken-like marsh bird.
• Compact body.
• Short tail.
• Strong legs.
• Long, slightly down-curved bill.
• Gray or reddish.
• Dull stripes on flanks.

• Size: 32-41 cm (13-16 in)
• Weight: 160-400 g (5.65-14.12 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike, but males slightly larger.

Sound

Call a short series of clacking or grunting notes.

Conservation Status

Western subspecies endangered. Eastern form abundant.

Other Names

Râle gris, Râle d'Eau,Pintade,Rateau (French)
Rascón picudo,Gallinuela de aqua salada,Pollo de mangle (Spanish)

Sources used to construct this page:

Eddleman, W. R., and C .J. Conway. 1998. Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris). In The Birds of North America, No .340 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.