Virginia rail: Weight: 2.3–3.4 ounces; Wingspan: 12.6–15 inches; Length: 8–10.6 inches.

Sora: Weight: 1.7–4 ounces; Wingspan: 12–14.5 inches; Length: 8–10 inches.

Songs of the Season

For many birds, spring migration and breeding season are in full swing. Some birds are more often heard than seen including two elusive, chicken-like birds, the sora and the Virginia rail, and the smaller yellow-breasted chat.

The sora is gray and brown and has a small bright yellow bill and a black mask and throat patch. The long toes help the bird walk on top of floating vegetation. The unique call of the sora is a descending whinny that lasts two to three seconds. The loud call across the wetlands is to defend its territory and to keep in touch with other birds.

The Virginia rail is rusty overall with a gray face, dark streaking down the back, and white undertail feathers. The long bill and legs are reddish. The bird appears thin head-on, giving rise to the common expression “thin as a rail,” but it looks full-bodied from the side. Its song is a repeated tick-it, mostly at dawn and dusk.

Yellow-breasted chat: Weight: 0.8–1.1 ounces; Wingspan: 9.8 inches; Length: 7.1 inches.

The male chat is olive-green on its back and wings with a bright yellow breast and bold face markings, and its lower belly is white. It has a large repertoire of calls and songs, and is most noisy at dawn and dusk. The whistles, cackles, rattles, squawks, gurgling, and popping sounds are strung together and repeated in various combinations. Typically secretive and well-hidden, the males become more brazen during spring and sing from exposed perches to attract their mates and protect their territories.

Bird Walks May 4 & June 1. Two options: 7:30–10am or 8–10am (choose a 2-hour or a 2.5-hour walk.) Both walks are free, but you must RSVP at blufflake.org/birdwatching. All are welcome. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow a pair from your guide. 11255 MLK Blvd. Search FrontPorchNE.com for “Bird Sightings” to see all the past bird stories and photos from George Ho.