The Sora is the most common rail in North America despite its secretive lifestyle, its descending whinny and plaintive 'ker-WEE' calls emanating from virtually every freshwater marsh in the continent. It has a short, yellow-green chicken-like bill and a black face mask. Despite being considered poor fliers, Soras migrate thousands of miles to South America each winter.
Best time to see a Sora
The best time to see a Sora is December–May, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,251 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Sora? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Sora sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Sora?
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