Bird · GBIF taxon 7751637
Rallus crepitans
rallus crepitansAlso known as Saltwater Marsh Hen, Marsh Hen
Clapper rails thrive in salt marshes along eastern North American and Caribbean coasts, blending effortlessly into dense cordgrass. Their loud, clattering calls frequently echo across tidal flats long before their grey-brown forms are spotted walking along muddy channel edges. Equipped with long toes and a slightly decurved bill, these secretive marsh birds forage efficiently on crabs and marine invertebrates as the tide ebbs.
WetlandCoastalSecretive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fiddler Crabs
- Marsh Snails
- Small Crustaceans
Predators
- Raccoons
- Northern Harriers
- American Alligators
ThreatsCoastal wetland development, sea level rise, and predation by invasive species.
HabitatsSalt marshes, brackish coastal marshes, and mangrove swamps.
Life span4 to 7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderGruiformes
- FamilyRallidae
- GenusRallus
- Speciesrallus crepitans
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a chicken-sized, tawny-grey bird with lateral flank stripes skulking through tall cordgrass.
- Support conservation
- Remain on designated boardwalks or trails, keep dogs leashed, and avoid entering marsh vegetation during spring nesting.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Scan muddy ditch banks during low tide when their distinctive clapping calls sound.
- Use Binoculars: Keep a respectful distance along marsh boardwalks to avoid flushing nesting birds.
- Tide Timing: Visit tidal flats at receding tides when foraging activity peaks along channel edges.
Frequent Companion (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Forest Botial-Jarvis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Forest Botial-Jarvis · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nigel Voaden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.