King Rail

Seen one? Add it to your free US BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Rare bird: +8 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 King Rail sits in our Rare tier for the US: scarce or very local, so most birders need a planned trip. It belongs to the rails, gallinules, and coots family.

Recent US sightings

Similar birds

• Ridgway's RailRare · Marshes
• Clapper RailUncommon · Marshes
• Virginia RailUncommon · Marshes
• Purple GallinuleRare · Marshes
• Yellow RailRare · Marshes
• Black RailEpic · Marshes

Kit that helps

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