Despite being one of Maine’s most common rails, second only to Sora, the Virginia Rail is a difficult bird to find in the state, let alone document it breeding. At its peak frequency in spring, when the birds are most vocal, Virginia Rails are only reported on 1.57% of Maine checklists, and it goes downhill from there. This family, and most marsh dwelling species, have very low rates of detection and will require special effort to document around the state.
Breeding Codes
In each category below, we give examples of some of the breeding codes to look for with this species. Please refer to page 18 of the Volunteer Handbook for complete descriptions of each code.
Safe Dates: 15 May – 1 August
Possible
Despite being so difficult to see in their preferred habitats (H) of freshwater (sometimes brackish) marshes, they tend to be vocal on territory. Nearly all of the common vocalization from Virginia Rails can be coded as singing (S) with most exceptions being rarely encountered. The common “grunts” are often duetted between pairs forming, but also given in territorial defense. “Tick-it” calls are given by unpaired males, while “kicker” calls are thought to be solicitation calls from unpair females.
Probable
Any birds found singing should be revisited after seven days or longer (S7), to attempt bumping them up to a probable code.
Confirmed
Distraction displays (DD) are known from Virginia Rails: observed near the nest, adults will run in tight circles with wings lowered, holding their bodies forward. Remember, there is no need to cause stress or harm to any birds so as soon as a distraction display is observed, observers should leave the area to keep from disturbing the nest or young. The dark-plumaged, downy young can be observed following adults (FL) and is the most commonly encountered confirmed code for this species.
Marsh Bird Surveys
We are seeking volunteers to conduct playback surveys (following a simple field protocol) of marsh birds in 200 randomly selected wetlands in Maine and help us collect observations of birds, like Virginia Rails. Note, this survey will require three repeated visits to the same wetland over six weeks, between 15 May and 30 June. If you are interested in helping out with these survey efforts, send an email to Glen Mittelhauser (mainebirdatlas@gmail.com) and include “Marsh Bird Survey” in the subject line. Read more about Marsh Bird Surveys at: mainenaturalhistory.org/mebirdatlas-marshbirdsurveys