From Opus

Photo by Robert Houde
Bizard Island, September 2005

Porzana carolina

[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

This is a monotypic species^[1].

[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.

[edit] Diet

Invertebrate prey during the breeding season; at other times, plant material (especially seeds) comprises much of diet.

[edit] Vocalisation

Includes a descending whirring sound, also described as a whinny. Other high-pitched calls, including a ker-EE and cheer.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2010. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2010. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/Clements%206.5.xls/view

• List of references

[edit] External Links