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