Black Rail
Laterallus jamaicensis
L 6″(15 cm).
Song or calls:
Listen (NGPC audio)
“Ki-ki-doo.”, last syllable lower in pitch. Mainly heard in breeding season.
Description: Sexes similar.
Small. Black overall with chestnut nape and white speckling on back. Short dark bill.
Behavior: Extremely secretive, much more likely to be heard than seen.
Habitat: Marshy meadows with heavy sedge and grass vegetation.
Where in Nebraska: Rare spring and fall migrant. Sightings across the state. No breeding records.
Field Notes: Often confused with chicks of other rail species.
Fun Facts: About the size of a sparrow, the Black Rail is the smallest rail in North America.