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Aves - Neognathae - Gruiformes - Rallidae - Rallus - Rallus elegans

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Rallus elegans (King Rail)


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Species Description
The King Rail is the largest North American rail, found in the freshwater and brackish marshes and tidal flats of eastern North America. It possesses a long, down-curved bill, which it uses to forage in shallow water for aquatic insects and crustaceans; it will also capture insects away from the water, but will take any prey items caught on land to the water and dunk them before consumption. The Common Rail is mostly diurnal, foraging in areas with concealing cover, and individuals that live in tidal areas will usually go out onto to the shore to feed during low tide. Crayfish are a preferred food, and males will present crayfish to females during courtship.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)
External Links
Animal Diversity Web
Encyclopedia of Life
Wikipedia King Rail Page

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