This photo was taken on June 27, 2009 in Cape May Point, New Jersey, US
Credit: Stephen E. Kacir

North American field guide

Black Rail

Laterallus jamaicensis

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Identification

Field notes

15 cm (6") Uncommon and local. Marshes, swamps, wet meadows. Smallest rail. Very secretive.

Almost all blackish except for some chestnut on upper back and white spots on back. Black bill in adult. Told from black chicks of other rails by its barred sides.

Song: repeated "kik-kee-doo" given late at night.