The black rail is a mouse-sized member of the rail family Rallidae that occurs in both North and South America. It is the smallest rail present in North America and is known for its secretive nature.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Found patchily along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, in parts of the interior West including California, and through the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It inhabits dense saltmarshes with cordgrass and pickleweed, as well as brackish and freshwater marshes with rushes and sedges. Birds often remain concealed in vegetation and may move under cover along the edges of shallow water. Some northern populations migrate to milder coastal and tropical wetlands in winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black rail is the smallest rail in North America, famously secretive and most often detected by its distinctive ki-ki-krr or kick-ee-doo call. It prefers dense, low marsh vegetation and often runs mouse-like rather than flying. Populations are declining in many areas due to habitat loss, marsh alteration, and sea-level rise. It is typically active at crepuscular hours and at night, making sightings rare.
Eastern black rail (L. j. jamaicensis) caught for a scientific banding project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, United States
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant, low flights over cover
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and defends small territories in dense marsh. Nests are well-concealed, often domed or canopy-like structures woven into vegetation over moist ground. Clutches are moderate in size and chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching while remaining close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Most often heard giving a sharp ki-ki-krr or kick-ee-doo series, sometimes repeated at regular intervals at night. Also emits soft ticking notes and chatters from within dense cover.
