The Sora is a common rail throughout its nesting area, its whinnying call familiar to anyone who has watched birds in a marsh. But it is seldom seen except by birders who wait patiently beside an opening in the reeds or who wade quietly through the cattails. These birds are especially numerous in fall and winter in southern marshes and rice fields, where they are primarily seed eaters. Although shot in large numbers every year, their high reproductive rate enables them to maintain a stable population. The greatest threat to the Sora is the destruction of the freshwater marshes where they breed: they have consequently become scarce in heavily populated areas.

description 8-10" (20-25 cm). A quail-sized rail with short yellow bill, gray breast, and black face. Upperparts mottled brown; lower abdomen banded with black and white. Young birds in fall lack black face and have buff breast.

This material provided by eNature.com.

Get a ZipGuide to the plants and animals of your area!

all species dangerous		your e-mail zip code
send me eNature newsletters & special offers