Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

Like the rest of the classic rails, the Virginia Rail is a secretive bird of freshwater marshes. They build several “dummy nests” besides the primary nest where they lay their eggs.

In summer they range over most of northern USA and southern Canada. In winter most retreat to Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Some birds in California will remain all year.

Because of their shy nature, these birds are difficult to see. More often heard than seen, they cluck, cackle and crow from dense marsh reeds, which they navigate silently with their narrow frames. Although “skinny as a rail” refers to the fence, it could easily fit as a reference to this bird clan.

Though there is some disagreement, modern studies suggest the Virginia Rail has three subspecies:

R. l. limicola breeds in southern Canada and northern USA, and spends winters from southwest Canada and Great Lakes through southern USA and Mexico.
R. l. friedmanni lives in southern Mexico and Guatemala.
R. l. aequatorialis lives in southwestern Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

While I’ve encountered Virginia Rails across many locations in the western USA, my most enjoyable visits have been in Wyoming, Utah, and at the Salton Sea in southeast California.

Virginia Rail Twitter

Virginia Rail Clucks

Virginia Rail Beeps

20 Photos

Virginia Rail - Rallus limicola — **Virginia Rail**
*(Rallus limicola)*

**Description:**
(Rallus limicola) Juvenile birds foraging the marsh margins near the beach at Poe Road. Salton Sea Vicinity. Imperial County, California USA 2009-07-04.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:07:04 10:38

**Location:**

Poe Road
Westmorland, California
United States
232.95 ft below sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** JCD1370.VirginiaRail

© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging

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Pin It — **Virginia Rail**
*(Rallus limicola)*

**Description:**
(Rallus limicola) Juvenile birds foraging the marsh margins near the beach at Poe Road. Salton Sea Vicinity. Imperial County, California USA 2009-07-04.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2009:07:04 10:38

**Location:**

Poe Road
Westmorland, California
United States
232.95 ft below sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** JCD1370.VirginiaRail

© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging

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