Sora, Porzana carolina


Sora
Soras, like their close relatives the Ridgway's, Clapper, and Virginia Rails, spend their lives mostly in marshy wetlands; like all rails they are secretive and more likely to be heard than seen. Above, an adult male, looking larger than usual because it is fluffing its feathers.


Sora
Above, an adult female. Birds of North America Online says: "Adults of both sexes have similar plumage, although females (slightly smaller) average less black on the face and throat, and usually have duskier bills."

Sora
Above and below, typical adult male Soras, with extensive black on face, throat and breast, bill uniformly (or nearly so) bright yellow, and iris more more red than brown.

Sora

Sora
Above and below, a foraging adult. The Sora "[f]eeds generally from standing position, on plant stems or debris." (Birds of North American Online.)


Sora


Sora
Above, a juvenile in late Fall, showing some adult black on the face, but cheek is mostly brown, iris is brown, and bill is two-toned, all indicating first-cycle. The two below, more typical juveniles in September and August, each with bill yellow at base and olive-brown at tip, little to no black on head or throat, brownish rather than gray cheeks, and a brown iris.


Sora

Sora