From Opus

Porzana carolina

Photo by Nightbird

[edit] Identification

• Brownish grey
• Short, stubby yellow bill
• Black mask
• Barred flanks
• Black on central throat and breast during breeding
• Upperside pattered in brown and black
• Most feathers fringed white

[edit] Distribution

Breeds from southern Alaska through mainland USA and northern Baja; winters to the West Indies and northern South America.

[edit] Taxonomy

A monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Mostly freshwater marshes and rice fields, but in non-breeding season also in more salty habitats including mangrove.

[edit] Behaviour

Secretive, but occasionally forages in open, more often than many other rails. Diet: Invertebrate prey during the breeding season; at other times, plant material (especially seeds) comprises much of diet. Voice: Includes a descending whirring sound, also described as a whinny. Other high-pitched calls, including a ker-EE and cheer.

[edit] External Links