The clapper rail is a member of the rail family, Rallidae. The taxonomy for this species is confusing and still being determined. It is a large brown rail that is resident in wetlands along the Atlantic coasts of the eastern United States, eastern Mexico and some Caribbean islands. This species was formerly considered to be conspecific with the mangrove rail.
Region
Atlantic coast of North America and the Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs in coastal saltmarshes, tidal creeks, and brackish marshes dominated by cordgrass (Spartina) and needlerush. In the Caribbean and eastern Mexico it also uses mangrove-lined wetlands and lagoon edges. Nests are placed on elevated clumps or platforms of marsh vegetation above typical high-tide lines. Birds keep close to dense cover, using narrow runways through the grass and often foraging along exposed mud at low tide.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive saltmarsh specialist, the clapper rail is most often heard giving its loud clattering series of kek calls before it is seen. Its taxonomy has recently been clarified, with the Pacific coast form split as Ridgway's rail and South American birds as the mangrove rail. It is an indicator of healthy coastal marshes and is vulnerable to habitat loss and sea-level rise that floods nesting sites.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center - Texas
Clapper rail in Lakeland, Florida.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with legs dangling; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and defends territories within marshes. Nests are woven platforms with canopy-like covers of grass, built by both sexes. Clutches are moderate to large, and both parents incubate and tend the downy young, which leave the nest soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Most often gives a rapid clattering series of kek-kek-kek notes that accelerates and then slows, carrying far across marshes. Also produces grunts, clucks, and harsh scolds when alarmed.
