The Habits of the King Rail (Raiius ciegans) 



By Gerard Alan Abbott 



The family Rallidae includes nearly two hundred species and sub-species 

 of birds. They are distributed over the greater portion of each continent, 

 the coots, gallinules and rails being the American representatives of this 

 interesting family. 



The rails, whose feet and legs are remarkably developed for the purpose, 

 traverse the almost impenetrable swamps and quagmires with unequaled agility, 

 taking wing only as a last resort. Rails are less aquatic that coots or galinules, 

 and though not gregarious are seldom found breeding in isolated pairs. Fre- 

 quently several varieties of rails occupy their respective nests within a few yards 

 of each other, and again all three species will deposit their eggs in a single nest, 

 which is usually that of a King Rail, the largest of the genera. 



The Marsh-hen, King, or Red-breasted Rail, is brown in color of varying 

 shades, and the feathers are streaked or mottled with black. The sexes are 

 indistinguishable and the young are covered with down which is jet black. The 

 body is very slim and compact, enabling its owner to pass through tangled vegeta- 

 tion without hindrance. 



The restricted breeding range of the King Rail includes the eastern portion 

 of the United States, westward to the states- bounded on the east by the Mississippi 

 River. In Wisconsin, southern Canada and Maine this Rail is known only as a 

 casual visitor. The states bordering on the Great Lakes — Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, 

 Michigan and New York — probaljly contain the most popular resorts of the King 

 Rail, where it nests abundantly in suitable localities. South of the Ohio River 

 the King Rail occurs in limited numbers and is undoubtedly a permanent resident 

 wherever found. On the sea-coast the King Rail is replaced by a salt water 

 variety known as the clapper rail. The two species are closely allied, but the 

 latter may be identified by its smaller size and paler colors. 



I have devoted considerable time to the study of the King Rail — both during 

 its migrations and in its domestic life — and I consider it one of the m.ost bold, 

 shrewd and fearless of water fowls. No one should be surprised at the antics 

 of a rail. A neighbor discovered one in her front room after leaving the door ajar 

 one morning. King Rails have been observed about the barnyard in company 

 with the poultry. On several moonlight nights, between the hours of eight and 

 ten, during the months of May and June, I have heard and seen this droll looking 

 bird strolling about the streets of Chicago, perhaps one-half mile distant from 

 the nearest marsh. This may be called one of its nocturnal escapades, and as it 

 wanders from yard to yard its curiosity increases. It ventures upon the side- 

 walk and poses under the light of a street lamp and suddenly becomes hilarious, 

 "clucking," "cackling" and "creeking," its hoarse voice breaking the silence of 

 the calm spring atmosphere, and then it vanishes as if by magic. 



Nest building begins in April and often requires a week for completion. 



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