ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - King Rail

King Rail

Formerly the most common nesting rail in Ohio, the king rail is now the rarest, and is listed as endangered by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

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King Rail

Rallus elegans

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 21-24 days

• Clutch Size: 6-15 eggs

• Young Fledge: 63 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects, aquatic invertebrates, and some fish

• Ohio Status: Endangered

Description
For rails, these are big birds; about the size of chickens. The head, neck, shoulders, and belly are a rusty color. The flanks are barred with black and white.

Habitat and Habits
Unlike other rails, this species is often rather bold, venturing beyond the dense confines of cattails and other marsh vegetation where they can be readily observed. King rails typically deliver a series of uniformly spaced, metallic clicking notes, and a somewhat shrill, descending kick-errr sound.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are deep bowls constructed out of grass and usually hidden very well in marsh vegetation.