Porzana carolina
The Sora is the most common and widespread rail in North America, but it is seldom seen by birdwatchers. Instead, it is usually identified by its characteristic call. The Sora habitually flicks its short, stubby tail. This odd gesture is thought to distract prey into believing that the Sora's tail is in fact the bird's head. This inhabitant of marshy areas swims quite well over short distances, despite the fact that its feet are not webbed. Although some Soras may overwinter in the southern U.S., most spend the winter in the West Indies. |
I.D.: Sexes similar. Adult: short, yellow bill; front of the face is black; gray neck and breast; long, greenish legs. Immature: brown overall; dark bill; yellow legs. Size: L 8-10 in. (20-25 cm). Range: locally common summer breeder throughout the Rockies. Habitat: wetlands with abundant emergent cattails, bulrushes, sedges and grasses. Nesting: usually over water, but occasionally in a wet meadow, under concealing vegetation; well-built basket nest is made of grass and aquatic vegetation; pair incubates 10-12 eggs for up to 20 days. Feeding: gleans and probes vegetation and substrates for seeds, plants, aquatic insects and mollusks. Voice: alarm call is a sharp keek; courtship song begins or-Ah or-Ah, descending quickly in a series of weee-weee-weees. Similar Species: Virginia Rail: long, reddish, downcurved bill. |
