Black Rail
Laterallus jamaicensis
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About
Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) is a tiny 10–15 cm, secretive rail of North and South America. Very dark charcoal-black with reddish-brown nape and white spotting on back; red eye. Breeds in coastal salt marshes and freshwater marshes; winters further south. Declining sharply due to marsh loss and sea-level rise.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 13.1 cm | 5.2 in |
| Weight | 32.96666666666667 g | 1.16 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 17-20 days.
Clutch Size
4-13
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes (Cranes & Rails) |
| Family | Rallidae (Rails, Crakes & Coots) |
| Genus | Laterallus |
| Species | Laterallus jamaicensis |
Distribution
Black Rail has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Black Rail endangered?
How does the Black Rail nest?
How big is the Black Rail?
What order and family does the Black Rail belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Rallidae family