General

Black Rail: Smallest North American rail, mostly dark gray or nearly black with white-speckled back, belly, and flanks. Nape and upper back are chestnut-brown. Eyes are red. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has brown to orange eyes.

Range and Habitat

Black Rail: Nests on marshes and open grasslands from southern New England to the Gulf coast states. Spends winters from the southern Atlantic coast states south to Central America. Preferred habitats include marshes, swamps, and wet meadows.

Breeding and Nesting

Black Rail: Four to thirteen brown-spotted, pale pink to white eggs are laid in a deep cup of finely woven soft grass, sedges, or other available vegetation. Nest is usually concealed in a clump of green grass, with grass arched over so it is hidden. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 28 days. Sometimes produces two broods per year.

Foraging and Feeding

Black Rail: Feeds on seeds of aquatic plants, grass, insects, and isopods (small crustaceans).

Vocalization

Black Rail: Usually silent, but during breeding season, male utters a repeated "kic-kee-doo" or "kic-kic-kerr."

Similar Species

Black Rail: Resembles chick of other rails, which lack white spots on upperparts and bars on flanks.