Clapper Rail

Overview

The clapper rail (Rallus crepitans) is a large brown rail that resides in wetlands along the Atlantic coasts of the eastern United States, eastern Mexico, and certain Caribbean islands. Although previously considered a subspecies of the mangrove rail, molecular studies have led to its recognition as a distinct species.

Identification

• A chicken-sized bird with grayish brown plumage and a pale chestnut breast.
• Measures 32–41 cm in length and weighs between 199–400 g.
• Features a bill that curves slightly downwards, which is orange-yellow at the base in males and duller in females.
• Males and females display similar plumage.

Habitat

This species is a saltmarsh specialist found along the Atlantic coasts of the eastern United States, the Gulf of Mexico, eastern Mexico, and several Caribbean and Central American locales. Populations on the East Coast of the U.S. remain stable, although numbers have decreased due to habitat loss.

Diet

Clapper rails consume crustaceans, aquatic insects, and small fish. They forage by walking through shallow water or mud, occasionally probing for food with their long bills.

Did you know?

The species epithet crepitans is derived from Latin and translates to 'breaking wind' or 'resounding'.