The Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) is a small, highly secretive crake of North American wetlands. Its streaky yellowish-brown plumage blends perfectly with its reedy marsh habitat, making it notoriously difficult to see.
Where to spot
Breeds in Canada and northern US, wintering in southern US and Mexico. Inhabits dense freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and bogs with tall grasses and sedges.
How to spot
Notoriously difficult to see. The best way to detect its presence is by listening for its distinctive 'click-click-click-click-click' call, especially at night. Flushing them from dense cover during the day is rare and often accidental.
When to spot
Best during the breeding season (late spring to summer) when males are most vocal, often calling at night. During migration, it is even harder to locate.
Where to spot
Breeds in Canada and northern US, wintering in southern US and Mexico. Inhabits dense freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and bogs with tall grasses and sedges.
How to spot
Notoriously difficult to see. The best way to detect its presence is by listening for its distinctive 'click-click-click-click-click' call, especially at night. Flushing them from dense cover during the day is rare and often accidental.
When to spot
Best during the breeding season (late spring to summer) when males are most vocal, often calling at night. During migration, it is even harder to locate.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Yellow Rail is often identified by its unique call, a series of clicks resembling two pebbles being tapped together, usually heard at night, especially during the breeding season.
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