The bird I heard last summer was one of only a handful I have seen or heard in Missouri in more than 20 years of observing birds. Other observers claim it was not unusual to hear or see king rails in marshes in the Bootheel as late as the 1950s. Today the species is found only occasionally at a few state conservation areas and national wildlife refuges. In fact, much of what we know about the biology of the king rail in Missouri came from a study conducted by biologist Fritz Reid, who worked at Ted Shanks Conservation Area in the 1980s. The true rails live in marshes, are secretive and are usually heard, not seen.
King rails are North America's largest true rails.
On average, they weigh just under a pound. Males are about 25 percent larger than females, and their bills are more brightly colored. Their back is rusty-brown, with black areas in the centers of the feathers. King rails have a slightly curved bill that measures about 2.5 inches long. Its color is dull tan to orange.