BIRD OF THE MONTH

June: Virginia Rail

by Janine Schutt

Virginia Rail

Some species of birds are secretive in nature, but that doesn’t always mean they are rare. The Virginia rail resembles a medium-sized shorebird. It is reasonably common in appropriate habitat, though it is more often heard than seen. Here are some fascinating facts about the Virginia rail:

Grunts and calls with a series of rapid notes.

Breeds across the northern United States and portions of southern Canada. Migratory populations mostly winter along coastal wetlands of the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
Pockets of year-round populations inhabit the East Coast, West Coast, and select areas of the West, including the Puget Sound region.
Lives in freshwater and brackish (where freshwater meets saltwater) marshes.
Preferred habitat consists of a marsh full of reeds and cattails, where the shallow water and mud in between the emergent vegetation provides secret passages for hiding from potential predators and humans.
Has long legs and toes for walking on mud and flexible vertebrae on a laterally compressed body, allowing it to easily pass through narrow openings. Firm forehead feathers don’t wear out while pushing past stiff stalks.
Has strong leg muscles for ground travel. Flights are usually short, except during migration.
A long, decurved bill probes mud for invertebrates.
Primarily eats insects, arachnids, snails, frogs, crayfish, and small fish. In winter, its diet is supplemented with plant seeds.
Lives a solitary life outside of the breeding season.
Nest baskets of woven plant material are often built on floating mats of vegetation or low on cattail stalks.
Builds several "dummy nests" in addition to the one in which it lays its eggs.
Pairs raise one or two broods per breeding season. Clutch size is 4-13 eggs.
Juveniles are small, black fuzz balls. They leave the nest within a week of hatching, but are closely watched by their parents.
Their secretive nature makes it difficult to accurately survey their numbers.