Which Rail?

[Patti Edens]

This photograph was taken in Galveston, TX on Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010. The bird was not at all afraid of me, but was keeping a watchful eye on me as he (she?) was ducking in and out of marsh grasses and meandering down a saltwater cut toward where I was sitting at the edge of the water. It eventually got within a few feet and then just went around me to continue foraging down the cut. It was so close I could no longer focus with my 400mm f5.6 lens.

I'm not very good at estimating size, but I would say it was about the same size as a Purple Gallinule which makes me think Clapper Rail. I'm also guessing based on its lack of fear, it is a young bird.

Am I close?

[John Chardine]

Hi Patti- I am basing my comments on Sibley, having limited experience with the Clapper Rail only, and then just by call in Puerto Rican mangroves.

The white barring on the sides eliminates an immature bird. The overall drabness of the bird suggests a female, and the bright, contrasty, broad white side bars suggest a King Rail. Sibley comments that Kings and Clappers have been considered the same species in the past so I think this tells you something about how difficult they can be to ID. Thanks for posting.

Any other ideas?

[Patti Edens]

Thanks so much for your analysis John! I see what you mean about the bird not being a youngster. The white bars are quite distinct. I was thinking Clapper only because it was salt water, but from what I am reading, there is some overlap.

[John Chardine]

OK Patti, thanks for reminding me we are talking salt water.

All- is saltwater a deal-breaker for King Rail?

[Wayne Richardson]

Hi Patti

Female King Rails approach Gulf Coast Clapper males in colouration, so your bird is much too pale going by the illustrations in Sibley's guide. In addition, the 'saline' location would also point to Clapper given this is the preferred habitat of that species with King being its freshwater counterpart.

In addition, the amount white feathering around the legs suggests to me it is immature.

Cheers: Wayne

[John Chardine]

Thanks Wayne. I buy Clapper, but according to Sibley, immatures do not show the white side bars and I think it would be too early for the immature to moult.

[Wayne Richardson]

Thanks Wayne. I buy Clapper, but according to Sibley, immatures do not show the white side bars and I think it would be too early for the immature to moult.

Hi John

I don't know the moult timings of these rails, which is why I used the term immature, i.e. simply meaning not adult. Juvenile plumage is often a distinctive stage &, as with gulls, can then involve many intermediate immature steps before adulthood. However, if rails are like Moorhens, then it is usually achieved gradually with birds showing a mix of young & adult features. Sibley, like many bird guide illustrators, shows us perfect specimens & not ones in between one stage & another!!!

Perhaps someone will give us the definative answer on rail moult timings?

Cheers: Wayne

[Patti Edens]

Thanks so much Wayne and John. Wonderful discussion and really helps me to learn how to use the field guide books more effectively. I went with Clapper simply because of the salt water and juvenile because the bird was fearless and approached very close to me. But, there are many things to consider here. I checked The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior, but no info on timing of the molts.