The sora, sora rail or Carolina crake is a small waterbird of the rail family Rallidae, sometimes also referred to as the sora rail or sora crake, that occurs throughout much of North America. The genus name Porzana is derived from Venetian terms for small rails, and the specific carolina refers to the Carolina Colony. The common name "Sora" is probably derived from a Native American language.
Region
North and Central America and the Caribbean
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across freshwater marshes of Canada and the northern United States, and winters through the southern U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America to northern South America. Prefers shallow marshes with dense emergent vegetation such as cattails, bulrushes, and sedges. During migration it uses flooded fields, ditches, wet meadows, and rice fields. In winter it occupies freshwater and brackish marshes, mangrove edges, and coastal impoundments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sora is the most widespread and frequently encountered rail in North America, yet it is often heard more than seen due to its secretive habits. Its whinnying call carries far across marshes, especially at dawn and dusk. Adults show a short, bright yellow bill and a crisp black face and throat patch in breeding season, with white undertail coverts that flick conspicuously. It readily uses rice fields and managed wetlands during migration and winter.
Sora foraging in water
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, fluttering flights over marsh; capable of long nocturnal migration
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in loose proximity within suitable marshes; can aggregate in good habitat during migration. Nests are shallow cups or domed platforms of grasses woven into emergent vegetation above shallow water. Clutches are large, and both parents incubate and brood precocial chicks. Adults may build ramp-like structures to access the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Often gives a descending whinny that accelerates then slows, carrying over long distances. Also utters sharp ker-wee and two-note sor-a calls, especially at dawn and dusk.
