This is the smallest rail in North America. Two races occur here: the smaller and more brightly colored California Black Rail, and the larger, darker Eastern Black Rail. Adult: Very small and short-billed. Blackish gray overall, with a chestnut patch on the nape, brownish wash on the back, white spotting on the back and wings, and whitish barring on the lower belly and undertail coverts. The underparts are lighter gray, especially on females. Adults show a red iris. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with less spotting and brownish eyes. Note that the half-grown young of other rail species are similar in size and mostly black, but they will look downy rather than feathered and show less pattern in their plumage.

Length: 10 (cm) Wingspan: 22 (cm)

Voice:

Male's call is a hoarse kee-kee-drrrr.

Habitat:

Salt and freshwater marshes, wet meadows.

Behavior:

Secretive. Usually concealed in heavy cover.

Feeding:

Feeds on small invertebrates, seeds.