Birds of North America
Puzzle 52 · Marshes and Fresh Water · Page 76 in print
Sora
A female Sora bends plants over her nest and tucks their ends into its rim, creating extra cover above the eggs.
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The words
Black Down
The dark feather covering of newly hatched chicks.
Brackish Water
Slightly salty wetland water used outside or within the annual range.
Flooded Field
A temporary wet habitat used during migration and winter.
Gray Face
The gray face of adult birds.
Impoundments
Artificially retained waters used during migration and winter.
Long Toes
Toes used to rake floating vegetation while feeding.
Muddy Edges
Wetland margins along which the bird feeds.
Orange Tufts
Bright down tufts at the base of a hatchling’s bill.
Preening
Feather care that follows the courtship stare-down.
Raking
A movement through vegetation used to uncover seeds.
Rushes
Plants in the wetland habitat.
Smartweed
A wetland plant whose seeds are eaten.
Stare-down
A prolonged face-to-face phase of courtship.
Stubby Bill
The short bill distinguishes Soras from many other rails.
Tail Flicking
The upward tail movement made while walking.
Sources
- Sora: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology
- Sora: IdentificationCornell Lab of Ornithology