Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

Ridgway's Rail, also known as the California Ridgway's Rail, is a secretive marsh bird found in coastal wetlands of western North America. This medium-sized bird has a long, slightly curved bill, and is predominantly brown and gray in color with a distinctive long, barred tail. It is known for its loud, grunting calls during the breeding season. Ridgway's Rail is primarily found in tidal marshes and estuaries, where it forages for invertebrates and small fish in the dense vegetation. Due to habitat loss and degradation, this species faces conservation challenges, and efforts are underway to protect and restore its coastal wetland habitats.

Habitat: Coastal wetlands and estuaries