Clapper Rail
Learn to identify the Clapper Rail by ear. Master the "kek-kek-kek-kek-kek!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Clapper Rail sounds like
The Clapper Rail is a sneaky marsh bird with a long bill, a thin neck, and a voice that can rattle across the reeds. It looks warm brown and gray, then slips through the cordgrass like a mouse with feathers.
“kek-kek-kek-kek-kek!”
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
It lives in salt marshes, tidal creeks, mangrove edges, and other coastal wetlands. Look for it in thick grasses where mud meets shallow water.
They are easiest to detect by sound in spring and summer, when pairs call loudly at dawn and dusk. Low tide can also bring them into view as they step out to feed along muddy creek edges.
Similar species
King Rail
King Rail is richer cinnamon overall, especially on the chest and neck.
Virginia Rail
Virginia Rail is noticeably smaller and shorter-billed.
Ridgway's Rail
Ridgway's Rail occurs on the Pacific coast, while Clapper Rail is eastern and Gulf coast.