King Rail

Description: The king rail is the largest rail in North America. The body is a mottled gray, brown, and rust; the neck and chest are lighter, while the sides are barred black and white. The long, dirty yellow bill has a slight downward curve; the legs are dirty light yellowish-green. The sexes are similar in appearance. Average size: 15-19 inches. Average weight: 2/3-1 pound.

Science: The king rail breeds in most of the eastern United States in freshwater marshes. Birds in the northern part of the range will begin their migration in September, while southern birds do not migrate. These solitary birds migrate alone at night and winter on the Atlantic coast, the Gulf Coast, and in Mexico. Wintering birds and those in the southern range primarily use freshwater marshes with thick vegetation, but are occasionally found in brackish and saltwater marshes. They primarily eat crustaceans and insects, but will also eat the seeds of marsh plants. Their call is a harsh series of clucks. The population of birds in the northern part of the range is declining sharply due to loss of habitat; the population of birds in the southern part of the range is thought to be stable, possibly bolstered by northern birds.

Hunting: Most birds are taken incidentally by waterfowl hunters or hunters seeking clapper rails. The eating quality is fair: meat can be strong-tasting.