King Rail

King Rail

(Rallus elegans)

Photo by David Sarkozi, Anahuac NWR © 1998

Last updated 3/12/96


King Rails are the close cousins of Clapper Rails. King Rails tend to keep more to the fresh water marshes, while Clapper Rails inhabit the salt water marshes. Hybrids are know where habitats merge.

King Rails are a richer cinnamon color then the grayer Clapper Rails. Overall they give a much more dapper appearance than a Clapper Rail. The Clapper will have gray checks compared to the King's brownish cheeks.

Shy like all rails, King Rails seem to strut out into he open more. Once one comes out into the open they often tend to ignore observes who keep quite and fairly still.

Look for King Rails at Anahuac NWR around the tour loop and San Bernard NWR around Moccasin Pond.

A breeding range map is available form the Breeding Bird Survey
A winter range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count

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