Sora Similar Species Comparison

Adult

Small secretive bird of freshwater marshes. The short tail is often held up showing white underneath. The face is gray with a black mask and a thick and stubby yellow bill, reminiscent of candy corn.

Adult

Small rail of shallow freshwater wetlands with dense emergent vegetation. Uses brackish marshes during migration. Note stubby yellow, bill, black mask, and gray cheek.

Adult

Walks through shallow wetlands with a jerking motion flicking and raising its tail.

Juvenile

Juveniles are pale below and brown above with a buffy face. Found in shallow wetlands with a lot of emergent vegetation.

Adult

Adult

In flight, note relatively long wings with a pale trailing edge.