Virginia rail

bird

Also known as: Rallus limicola

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) is an American marsh bird with gray cheeks and a long bill. It is a type of rail, which are slender, chicken-shaped birds belonging to the family Rallidae. Rails are secretive, typically hiding in reeds and marsh grasses, and are often more active at night.12

The Virginia rail is about 25 cm (10 inches) in length and is reddish-brown in color. It is also known as the red-breasted rail. Rails are found worldwide, except in the highest latitudes, and are known for their loud calls.23

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rail
longirostris), a grayer form; the Virginia rail (R. limicola), reddish brown and about 25 cm (10 inches) in length; and the sora (see crake). The little yellow rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) and the American black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) are too scarce and too small (about 15 cm [6 inches]) to be…
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longirostris), a grayer form; the Virginia rail (R. limicola), reddish brown and about 25 cm (10 inches) in length; and the sora (see crake). The little yellow rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) and the American black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) are too scarce and too small (about 15 cm [6 inches]) to be…
Read More