Ridgway's Rail
Rallus obsoletus
Silhouette: Ferran Sayol · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderGruiformes (Cranes, Rails, and Allies)
- FamilyRallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
- GenusRallus (Typical Rails)
- SpeciesRallus obsoletus (Ridgway's Rail)
About the Ridgway's Rail
Ridgway's rail (Rallus obsoletus) is a species of bird found principally along the Pacific coast of North America from the San Francisco Bay Area to southern Baja California, as well as in some regions of the Gulf of California. A member of the rail family, Rallidae, it is a large cinnamon-brown rail that lives in brackish tidal marshes and rarely flies. Its name commemorates American ornithologist Robert Ridgway.
This species is closely related to the clapper rail, and until recently was considered a subspecies. It has a long, downward curving bill and is grayish brown with a pale chestnut breast and conspicuous whitish rump patch. It is most active nocturnally and crepuscularly.
Typically cinnamon-brown in color, it is darker in coloration on the back. Adult coloration is variable, with several color morphs. The total length in adults is 32–41 cm (13–16 in), and weight ranges 160–470 g (5.6–16.6 oz). Males are about 20% larger than females. Size can vary by geographical location. Hatchlings are covered in black downy feathers.
Ridgway's rail forages along the ecotone between mudflat and higher vegetated zones and in tidal sloughs. Mussels, clams, arthropods... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Ridgway's Rail in Death Valley National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Death Valley National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 2 | Bahía de Loreto National Park | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Ridgway's Rail in Death Valley National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Ridgway's Rail sighting in Death Valley National Park, based on 7 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Ridgway's Rail in Death Valley National Park?
March has the highest sighting rate for Ridgway's Rail in Death Valley National Park in our monthly data.