I beleive that the King Rail has a ticking vocalization which is not as long
as the
vocalization of the ticking Clapper Rail. The King may also slow down a
little more at the end.

Do you have the More Birding By Ear tapes.

Incidentally, the More Birding By Ear tapes do not say that
King and Clapper grunt the same way; the tape indicates that
the grunting is discernible between the two. My understanding is that
that the grunting of King and Clapper cannot be told apart.
In fact the late Rick Blom once told me that " Anybody who says that you
can tell King and Clapper Rails apart by their grunting doesn't know what he
is talking about."

Then Rick cited the detailed studies that  Hal Wierenga has done on Clapper
and King Rails.

        I hope this information is useful.

        good birding!


        Taylor McLean


----- Original Message -----
From: "parke" <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2004 11:23 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Deal Island WMA & Rail Question


> The alleged King Rail was ticking.
>
>
>
>
>
> >===== Original Message From Maryland Birds & Birding
> <> =====
> >very good habitat for both.
> >
> >However, was the King rail grunting or 'ticking'?
> >
> >If grunting, I beleive that Clapper makes the exact same sound.
> >I beleive Clappers are on Deal Island. So you may need to see the large
> >rail.
> >
> >Can Hal Wierenga - probably the ultimate authority on large rails - give
us
> >some feedback.
> >
> >Hal we need you, man!
> >
> >    good birding,
> >
> >        Taylor McLean
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "parke" <>
> >To: <>
> >Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 3:57 PM
> >Subject: [MDOSPREY] Deal Island WMA & Rail Question
> >
> >
> >> Today from 6:30 to 8:30 am I birded Deal Island WMA.  A few shore
birds,
> >but
> >> lots of singing Seaside Sparrows and Marsh Wrens.
> >>   Also, I heard Virginia Rail and King Rail, I think.  How likely is
this?
> >>   Also, after walking about a mile into the marsh, I came across three
> >> Black-necked Stilt.
> >>
> >> Parke
> >> 
>
> Parke
>