The Virginia rail is a small waterbird, of the family Rallidae. These birds remain fairly common despite continuing loss of habitat, but are secretive by nature and more often heard than seen. They are also considered a game species in some provinces and states, though rarely hunted. The Ecuadorian rail is often considered a subspecies, but some taxonomic authorities consider it distinct.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds in marshes across southern Canada and much of the northern and western United States, with scattered populations in the Midwest and Northeast. Winters along the Pacific, Gulf, and Atlantic coasts, as well as in the southern U.S. and Mexico, reaching parts of Central America. Favors freshwater and brackish marshes with dense emergent vegetation such as cattail, bulrush, and sedges. Often uses shallowly flooded meadows, wet ditches, and ephemeral wetlands during migration. In winter, it frequents coastal impoundments and tidal marsh edges with thick cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive marsh bird, the Virginia rail is more often heard than seen, slipping through dense cattails with a laterally compressed body. Its long toes help it walk on floating vegetation, and it often holds its short tail cocked, showing white undertail coverts. Despite wetland loss, it remains fairly common and is considered a game species in some regions, though it is rarely hunted.
R. l. aequatorialis (left) and nominate (right)
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically shy and elusive, it prefers to run through cover rather than fly. Pairs form in spring and are usually monogamous for the season, with both sexes building a nest platform over shallow water. Both parents incubate and tend precocial chicks that quickly leave the nest and follow adults through marsh vegetation. Territory defense includes vocal duets and displays within dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Most often detected by a series of accelerating grunts and 'kidick-kidick-kidick' phrases given at dawn and dusk. It also gives sharp 'kik' notes and clattering calls when alarmed. Vocalizations carry well through dense marsh vegetation.
