Sora

Sora, adult, breeding plumage; St.Marks NWR, FL; April

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Sora, adult, nonbreeding plumage

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

A small, secretive bird of freshwater marshes, the Sora is the most common and widely distributed rail in North America. Its distinctive descending whinny call can be easily heard from the depths of the cattails, but actually seeing the little marsh-walker is much more difficult.

Description

• Small marshbird.
• Triangular body shape, with deep rear end.
• Slaty gray body.
• Short, yellow bill.
• Strong legs.
• Short tail, often held upright showing white underneath.
• Black face and bib.

• Size: 20-25 cm (8-10 in)
• Weight: 49-112 g (1.73-3.95 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look similar, but female is slightly smaller and with a darker bill.

Sound

Call a long, high descending whinny. Also a two-noted "sor-AH" call, with second note higher.

Conservation Status

Common and widespread, but may be declining in some areas. Hunted in numerous states and provinces.

Other Names

Marouette de Caroline (French)
Gallineta de Cienaga (Spanish)

Sources used to construct this page:

Melvin, S. M., and J. P. Gibbs. 1996. Sora (Porzana carolina). In The Birds of North America, No. 250 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.