Clapper Rail

Seen one? Add it to your free US BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Uncommon bird: +3 points when you log it.

Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Marshes, reedbeds.
Diet: Invertebrates, seeds, plants.
Best time to spot: Skulks; dawn and dusk calls.

When to look

Check local eBird bar charts for timing in your state; range and season vary a lot across the US.

How rare is it?

The Clapper Rail sits in our Uncommon tier for the US: regular, but you usually need the right place or the right season. It belongs to the rails, gallinules, and coots family.

Recent US sightings

Similar birds

• Virginia RailUncommon · Marshes
• King RailRare · Marshes
• Ridgway's RailRare · Marshes
• Purple SwamphenUncommon · Marshes
• SoraUncommon · Marshes
• Black RailEpic · Marshes

Kit that helps

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