CALIFORNIA BLACK RAIL Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus (Ridgway) 



Order: GRUIFORMES Family: RALLIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A tiny blackish rail about 5 to 6 inches long , head and 

 neck black, nape deep chestnut, back blackish-brown with white spots, and flanks black 

 with white bars . Birds are very difficult to flush or observe . 



Present distribution : This tiny rail is so elusive and secretive that it is seldom seen, and 

 consequently little is known in regard to its present or former distribution. Usually it 

 is associated with pickleweed along the tidal marshes from Tomales Bay and San Francisco, 

 south and casually inland to Stockton, Riverside, and Sal ton Sea. Substantial numbers 

 along Colorado River . 



Former distribution : Thought to be about the same as today . 



Status : Vulnerable because much of its former habitat has been destroyed. Coastal marshes 

 where many observations were made have been filled or are in jeopardy. Seems to favor 

 habitat of alkali bulrush and saltgrass . 



Estimated numbers : Unknown . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Four to eight eggs per clutch. 



Reasons for decline : A reduction in population is thought to be due to a reduction in 

 tidal marsh habitat by filling, draining, and/or pollution, channelization and phreatophyte 

 control along Colorado River. 



Protective measures already taken : Attempts are being made to preserve remaining 

 habitat and maintain better water quality. Studies on ecology, distribution and abundance 

 being made by State and Federal biologists in conjunction with studies of other rails. 



Measures proposed : Protect available habitat, especially tidal marshes, from being 

 destroyed. 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Grinnell, J. and A. H. Miller. 1944. The distribution of the birds of California. 



Cooper Ornithological Club, Berkeley, California. 

 Hoffman, R. 1927. Birds of the Pacific States . Houghton Mifflin Co ., Boston. 

 Kirven, M.N. in lit. 

 McCaskie, R. G. in lit. 



Tomlinson, R. E. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Administrative reports, 

 and R. L. Todd. Distribution of two western clapper rail races as 

 determined by responds to taped calls. Condor, in lit . 



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