Clapper Rail

Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans) is in the Rails, Gallinules, and Coots family (Rallidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,990 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Clapper Rail: observations by month (U.S.)

About Clapper Rail

The clapper rail (Rallus crepitans) is a member of the rail family, Rallidae. The taxonomy for this species is confusing and still being determined. The Ridgway's rail and the mangrove rail have been recently split. Furthermore, some taxonomists consider that the king rail and Aztec rail should be considered within this group, as those birds look similar and the birds are known to interbreed where they share territories.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Clapper Rail by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

American CootFulica americana

Common GallinuleGallinula galeata

Purple GallinulePorphyrio martinica

SoraPorzana carolina

Virginia RailRallus limicola

Gray-headed SwamphenPorphyrio poliocephalus

Ridgway's RailRallus obsoletus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ