BULLETIN OF THE 



U.S.DMMI0FA«II1I 



No. 128 



Contribution from the Bureau of Biological Survey, Henry W. Henshaw, Chief, 

 September 25, 1914. 



DISTRIBUTION AND MIGRATION OF NORTH 



AMERICAN RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES. 



By Wells W. Cooke, 

 Assistant Biologist. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The North American rails and their allies, the cranes, gallinules, 

 coots, and others, are considered game birds in many localities, but 

 until within the last few years they have received scant protection. 

 As a matter of fact they include among their number several species 

 that are not only of harmless habits but of great food value. This 

 is particularly true of the sora, or Carolina rail, which until recently 

 has existed in immense numbers in the marshes of the Atlantic States, 

 and which not only has been a favorite object of pursuit by sports- 

 men but also has been regarded as a highly prized table delicacy. 



Another species, than which none more striking exists in North 

 America, is the stately white crane. This bird used to stalk over the 

 prairies but is now almost extinct, and a few more years will probably 

 witness the passing of the last individual. The draining of the Ever- 

 glades probably will mark the end also of the contingent of its smaller 

 relative, the sandhill crane, which nests in Florida. While the de- 

 struction of such birds is to be deplored it seems to be a necessary 

 concomitant of the settlement of the wide areas they once called home. 

 A large bird that furnishes meat of a high grade can not be expected 

 to survive long in a thickly settled country. Owing to their fine ap- 

 pearance, harmless habits, and economic worth, it is highly desirable 

 to withdraw all cranes from the list of game birds and preserve as 

 long as possible the few now remaining. 



Rails differ markedly from cranes in appearance and habits, 

 although they belong to the same family. Chiefly marsh or meadow 

 breeding birds, they spend most of their time well concealed in rank 

 swamp vegetation, where they are out of harm's way. Several of 

 the species are few in numbers, but they are so secretive that they 



Note. — This bulletin aims to give precise information as to the ranges of the several species of North 

 American rails and their allies, the cranes, gallinules, coots, and others, especially in regard to breeding 

 ranges and migrations; and to furnish data sufficient to serve as a basis for protective legislation for the 

 species by States in which they are found. 



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