AL Clapper Rail Hunting Guide

Also known as: Clapper rail, marsh hen

The clapper rail is a member of the rail family, Rallidae. The taxonomy for this species is confusing and still being determined. It is a large brown rail that is resident in wetlands along the Atlantic coasts of the eastern United States, eastern Mexico and some Caribbean islands. This species was formerly considered to be conspecific with the mangrove rail.

Habitat & Range

The clapper rail is found along the Atlantic coasts of theeastern U.S., theGulf of Mexico, eastern Mexico, someCaribbean islands, and south through eastern Central America, as well at several inland locales. Populations are stable on the East Coast of the U.S., although the numbers of this bird have declined due to habitat loss. Clapper rails are saltmarsh specialists, and are highly mobile across their range, with females showing weakphilopatryand a lack of philopatry in males.[12]

Life History

Theclapper rail(Rallus crepitans) is a member of the rail family,Rallidae. The taxonomy for this species is confusing and still being determined. It is a large brown rail that is resident in wetlands along the Atlantic coasts of the eastern United States, eastern Mexico and some Caribbean islands. This species was formerly considered to beconspecificwith themangrove rail. The clapper rail is a chicken-sized bird that rarely flies. It is grayish brown with a pale chestnut breast. Males and females have similar plumage. The bill which curves slightly downwards is orange yellow at the base in males and duller in females. An adult bird has an overall length of 32–41 cm (13–16 in) and weighs 199–400 g (7.0–14.1 oz).[11]

Hunting Season

Sep 1 - Nov 9.

References

• Alabama — Clapper Rail