ExploreBirds

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

The Clapper Rail is a secretive bird that loves to hide in tall grasses and marshes. It has a long body and a distinctive call that sounds like clapping, which is how it got its name!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Clapper Rail is a medium-sized marsh bird with a streaky brown-gray back and rich cinnamon-buff flanks, making it well camouflaged. It has a long, slightly downcurved bill and a relatively short tail, setting it apart from smaller marsh birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGruiformesFamilyRallidaeGenusRallus
Clapper Rail
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesolitary trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Clapper Rail

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Clapper Rails are tiny, fluffy black chicks that can leave the nest almost immediately.

Clapper Rails are mostly found along the coast, rarely venturing far inland.

Their distinctive 'clapping' call is often the only sign they are nearby in dense marsh grass!

They build their nests on elevated platforms in marshes, sometimes even floating on vegetation!

Special abilities

Ability

Marsh Master

Clapper Rails have a laterally compressed body that helps them slip effortlessly through dense marsh grasses.

Ability

Salty Drinker

Clapper Rails can drink saltwater thanks to special glands that filter out excess salt from their bodies.

Ability

Vocal Communicator

Clapper Rails can make loud 'clapping' calls that help them define territory and communicate in the noisy marsh.

Measurements & details

Length
32-41 cm
Wingspan
48-56 cm
Weight
0.2-0.4 kg
Lifespan
3-6 years
Top Speed
30 km/h
Clutch Size
6-12
Incubation
18-20 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds primarily feast on small crabs and fish, but also munch on insects and seeds.

Primary Foods

  • Fiddler crabs
  • Mummichogs
  • Grass shrimp
  • Marsh insects
  • Snails

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Fiddler Crab

Uca pugnax

A primary food source in marsh habitats.

hunts

Mummichog

Fundulus heteroclitus

Common marsh fish eaten by adult rails.

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Raccoons often raid Clapper Rail nests for eggs.

eaten by

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

A raptor that preys on Clapper Rails.

shelters

Smooth Cordgrass

Spartina alterniflora

Provides crucial nesting and hiding cover.

Traits

Also known as

Clapper Rail BirdMarsh Hen

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always respect wildlife and observe birds from a distance without disturbing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Clapper Rail?

32-41 cm

What is Clapper Rail's wingspan?

48-56 cm

How much does Clapper Rail weigh?

0.2-0.4 kg

How long does Clapper Rail live?

3-6 years

How fast can Clapper Rail move?

30 km/h

What does Clapper Rail eat?

These birds primarily feast on small crabs and fish, but also munch on insects and seeds.

Where is Clapper Rail usually found?

Wetlands

How does Clapper Rail hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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