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

Yellow Rail

Yellow rails are a bit enigmatic in Ohio. They are rare, but undoubtedly more pass through than is suspected. Peak fall migration is early October.

Listen

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 16-18 days

• Clutch Size: 7-10 eggs

• Young Fledge: 35 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: seeds, insects, and aquatic invertebrates

Description
Yellow rails are very small and chunky, with round wings and a short tail. It is brownish-buff with a buffy yellow breast. The bill is short, thick, and yellow.

Habitat and Habits
This small rail is very secretive, spending much time walking under matted layers of vegetation, like mice. Preferred habitat includes dense sedge meadows; migrants may use marshes and hayfields. Hearing one is the only likely way of detecting a yellow rail, and they give a distinctive series of metallic clicks, which can be mimicked by tapping two stones together.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are cups concealed in marsh grass. The female incubates the eggs alone.