Black Rails resemble a bobtail sparrow or the chicks of other rails. They have a deep chestnut colored collor and barring on the flanks that no rail chicks will have.
Most birders who count Black Rail on their list as "heard only". Black Rails will answer a recording of their call at night. The call is kiki-krrr. The trouble is most places on the UTC where Black Rails are found tape recording are not allowed. I have heard reports of Black Rails on the Southeast Oilfield Road at High Island. You might also try San Bernard NWR and the Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary.
Winter range from the Christmas Bird Count