photo by Phil Swanson

Rallus elegans
L 15″(38 cm).

Song or calls:
Series of fewer than ten “kek-kek-kek” notes. Notes are evenly spaced.

Description: Sexes similar. Feathers on back are black with tawny edges. Buffy eyebrows, cinnamon colored breast. Flanks have strong black and white barring. Long legs, and long slightly decurved bill.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes with plenty of shoreline and emergent vegetation.

Where in Nebraska: Rare summer resident in eastern Nebraska. Probably a local breeder.

Field Notes: Occasionally hybridizes with Clapper Rail.

Fun Facts: When King Rails catch food on land, they often take the item to water and dunk it before eating it.

 
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