King Rail

Rallus elegans

The King Rail is the largest of the North American Rails.  They are less shy than many of the rails, and can sometimes be seen boldly foraging in open shallow waters.  They are very closely related to the Clapper Rail.  While the King Rail is a primarily a bird of fresh water and the Clapper Rail is primarily a bird of salt water, they do often interbreed where the intermix on brackish near-coastal waters.

Habitat: Uses a variety of shallow fresh- and brackish-water habitats, provided dense cover is available.

Diet: Feeds heavily on aquatic insects, especially beetles.  Also feeds on crayfish, crabs, snails, clams, small fish, frogs, and seeds of aquatic plants.

Behavior: Forages in shallow water, usually in and around dense cover.  However, they are often much less shy than other rails, foraging out in the open and not particularly shy of a human observer.

Breeding: Only a handful of breeding records in South Dakota (SDOU, 2001).

Song: Sharp kek-kek-kek-kek. 

Migration: Summers throughout much of the eastern half of the United States.  Birds in the northern part of its range move southward to the southeastern U.S. in winter, while those at the southern part of its range are permanent residents.

Similar Species: Clapper Rail

Conservation Status: Has declined in many areas due to habitat loss.  However, the IUCN lists the King Rail as a species of "Least Concern".  Populations remain widespread, and they are locally common where suitable habitat remains.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, King Rail

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - King Rail"

3) eNature.com: King Rail

Photo Information: Photo from Ohio, courtesy of Lana Hays