The Virginia Rail (`Rallus limicola`) is a small, elusive marsh bird widespread across North America, known for its distinctive 'kid-ick' call. It has a rusty-brown body with gray cheeks and a short, slightly downcurved bill.
Where to spot
Primarily freshwater and brackish marshes, bogs, and wet meadows across North America, with some populations in Central and South America.
How to spot
Listen for its characteristic 'kid-ick' or 'tick-it' call, which can be surprisingly loud. Patience is crucial, as they prefer dense cover; look for movement along marsh edges, especially from boardwalks or elevated viewing platforms.
When to spot
Most active at dawn and dusk. Their calls are particularly common during the breeding season (spring and early summer).
Where to spot
Primarily freshwater and brackish marshes, bogs, and wet meadows across North America, with some populations in Central and South America.
How to spot
Listen for its characteristic 'kid-ick' or 'tick-it' call, which can be surprisingly loud. Patience is crucial, as they prefer dense cover; look for movement along marsh edges, especially from boardwalks or elevated viewing platforms.
When to spot
Most active at dawn and dusk. Their calls are particularly common during the breeding season (spring and early summer).
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Despite its small size, the Virginia Rail can migrate long distances, undertaking impressive journeys between its breeding and wintering grounds, often under the cover of darkness.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.