About Rallus crepitans J.F.Gmelin, 1789
This species, the clapper rail, scientifically named Rallus crepitans J.F.Gmelin, 1789, is a chicken-sized bird that rarely flies. Its overall plumage is grayish brown, with a pale chestnut breast, and males and females have similar plumage patterns. It has a slightly downward-curving bill; in males, the base of the bill is orange yellow, while the base of the bill is duller in females. Adult clapper rails measure 32–41 cm (13–16 in) in total length, and weigh between 199–400 g (7.0–14.1 oz). The clapper rail inhabits Atlantic coasts of the eastern United States, the Gulf of Mexico, eastern Mexico, some Caribbean islands, and extends south through eastern Central America, with additional populations at several inland locations. This species is a saltmarsh specialist. It is highly mobile across its range: females show weak philopatry, while males show no philopatry. Populations of the clapper rail are stable along the U.S. East Coast, though the species' total numbers have declined as a result of habitat loss.
