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 tend to be weak fliers. There are 6 Michigan species.
American Coot, Fulica americana
Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata
King Rail, Rallus elegans
Virginia Rail, Rallus limicola
Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis
Quiet Solo Pursuits 
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