ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Black Rail

Black Rail

Easily the most secretive and poorly known marsh bird that probably is a regular migrant, black rails are one of the most coveted sightings a birder can make anywhere.

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Black Rail

Laterallus jamaicensis

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 16-20 days

• Clutch Size: 6-10 eggs

• Typical Foods: insects, seeds, and aquatic invertebrates

Description
This tiny rail has a black body and a small, black bill. The nape of its neck is a deep chesnut color.

Habitat and Habits
Spotting a black rail is highly unlikely; virtually all are detected by their distinctive kik-e-doo calls. The males typically sing at night, compounding the difficulties of detecting one. Dense, wet sedge meadows are the preferred habitat, but migrants may use other wetlands.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Black rail nests are loose cups of grass that are usually concealed under a mat of dead marsh vegetation.