Description of the King Rail

Description

BREEDING MALE

The King Rail is a large rail with a long, slightly decurved bill, reddish foreneck and breast, black flanks barred with white, and tawny-edged, black back feathers.

king rail

Female

Sexes similar.

Seasonal change in appearance

None.

Juvenile

Juveniles resemble adults but are duller.

Habitat

Marshes.

Diet

Insects and crustaceans.

Behavior

Forages by wading in shallow water.

Range

Breeds in scattered locations throughout parts of the eastern U.S. and is resident in the southeastern U.S.

More information:

Bent Life History

Visit the Bent Life History for extensive additional information on the King Rail.

Fun Facts

King Rails will chase other rails out of their territories.

Wetland protection will continue to be important for the survival of King Rails.

Vocalizations

The call is a long series of “kek-kek-kek” notes at regular intervals.

Similar Species

Virginia Rail
Virginia Rails are much smaller.
Clapper Rail
Clapper Rails have grayish rather than tawny edgings to the back feathers.

Nesting

The nest is a platform of grasses and aquatic plants placed in vegetation above water level.

Eggs

Number: 10-12.
Color: Buff with darker markings.

Incubation and fledging:
- Young hatch at 21-23 days.
- Young fledge (leave the nest) shortly after hatching but remain with the adults for some time.