Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans Gmelin, JF, 1789

Rallidae — Rails, Crakes & Coots

Clapper Rail, Rallus crepitans, is a rail of the family Rallidae that breeds along the east coast of the USA, through the Caribbean, and in coastal Belize. It is a saltmarsh bird and is found in wetlands across its range. The species was first described by Gmelin in 1789. It is a chicken-sized rail with greyish brown plumage and a pale chestnut breast. The bill curves slightly downwards, and the base is orange yellow in males and duller in females. It is a resident bird and rarely flies.

Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae — Rails, Crakes & Coots
Breeding range: North America, Middle America: e coast of USA to Caribbean and coastal Belize