Birds of Puerto Rico - Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: Gruiformes. Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers.

  • Black Rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (A)
  • Clapper Rail, Rallus longirostris
  • Virginia Rail, Rallus limicola (A)
  • Sora, Porzana carolina (A)
  • Yellow-breasted Crake, Porzana flaviventer
  • Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinica
  • Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata
  • American Coot, Fulica americana
  • Caribbean Coot, Fulica caribaea

Read more about this topic:  Birds Of Puerto Rico