Sora (Porzana Carolina) Doug Powless

Sora (Porzana carolina) Doug Powless

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ottawa Co., OH 5/11/2009 © Darlene Friedman (Click to view a comparison of Atlas I to II)

The Sora is a stubby-tailed rail with a short, Distribution Michigan bird lists of the early 1800s do not coot-like bill. This is a small bird, the length of include the Sora until Kneeland’s Keweenaw a cardinal, smaller than a Killdeer. A migratory list (Kneeland 1859). From then on, the Sora bird, the Sora arrives in Michigan as early as was recognized as a widespread summer late March, mostly from mid-April to early resident (Miles 1861, Wood 1951, Rabe 1991). May, and departs beginning in mid to late Today, the Sora resides in marshes and sedge September (Walkinshaw 1940, Wood 1951, meadows throughout every corner of Michigan Adams 1979). Although more common in from the marshes of Lake Erie to the wetlands Michigan than other rails (Rabe 1991), finding of Isle Royale. It occurs in every county of the Sora and confirming proof of breeding is Wisconsin (Temple et al. 1997) and in most still a challenge due to the Sora’s small size, Ontario breeding bird atlas blocks along Lakes cryptic coloration, marshy habitats, hidden Huron and St. Clair (Tozer 2007). Records of nests, early nesting, single brood, and quick Sora become sparse in northern Ontario, abandonment of the breeding territory after the although a number nest along northern Lake young are independent (Walkinshaw 1940, Superior at sites north of the Keweenaw Berger 1951, Johnson and Dinsmore 1985, Peninsula and Isle Royale (Tozer 2007). In Melvin and Gibbs 1996). Luckily, the Sora’s Illinois it is found primarily in wetlands around loud descending whinny and kerr-whee, or sor- Chicago (Kleen et al. 2004). a, calls can give its location away. However,

Soras often call most frequently before dawn or The raw number of townships and blocks where after dusk and require special effort to Sora was found in Michigan varied little adequately survey them. Despite these between MBBA I and MBBA II, despite an challenges, atlas participants found the Sora increase in coverage of 1.6%. Sora was found across all regions of the state. Nesting ranges in roughly 5% of the atlas blocks and 15% of across the northern U.S. and southern Canada the townships during both atlases. However, the from Long Island to the Yukon, and from New locations of sightings varied widely with an Mexico to Washington, D.C. (Melvin and Gibbs overlap of only about 35% of townships where 1996). Sora was detected in both atlas periods (27%

© 2011 Kalamazoo Nature Center Sora (Porzana carolina) Doug Powless overlap in the UP; 25% in the NLP; 46% in the shaped nest is usually well-concealed over SLP). During MBBA II, participants found the shallow water with plants pulled over the top Sora in three new counties (Delta in the UP, and (Walkinshaw 1940, Berger 1951, Ehrlich et al. Ogemaw and Missaukee in the NLP), but did 1988, Baicich and Harrison 2005). Nests are not relocate the Sora in at least nine counties difficult to locate, so the best survey times are where it was found during MBBA I. For when the birds are most vocal. New national example, atlasers found the Sora in wetlands in protocols suggest survey windows of 1 May-15 Oscoda, Alcona, and Gladwin counties only June in the LP and 15 May-30 June in the UP during MBBA I and in nearby Ogemaw county (Conway 2009) with taped call playback only during MBBA II. Also, although not found methods used to increase detection probabilities during MBBA I from much of Michigan’s (Conway and Gibbs 2005, Conway 2009). “thumb” area, the central UP, or in many areas After the young are fledged and able to care for in southeastern counties, participants of MBBA themselves, the adults leave the breeding II were able to locate Soras in many of those territory (Johnson and Dinsmore 1985, Ehrlich townships. These large differences in the et al. 1988). locations of Sora sightings between atlases probably reflect the difficulties of surveying Abundance and Population Trends rails and not a shift in distribution. Surprisingly, The Sora is one of the most common rails in the Sora was found only during MBBA I in just one U.S. and is legally hunted in many states location of Drummond Island and nearby areas (Melvin and Gibbs 1996). Based upon surveys even though it occurs in adjacent areas of of hunters, the USFWS estimates only 100 rails Ontario (Tozer 2007) and was reported nesting were hunted in Michigan from 2007-2008, but on Drummond Island by Wood (1951). as many as 19,600 Soras were taken in 2008 across the U.S. (Raftovich et al. 2009). Very few Soras stay in Michigan during winter, However, population sizes and trends for rails however, they have been found here during are not well understood (Bart 2005, Conway and seven Christmas Bird Counts since 1900, six of Gibbs 2005, Conway and Timmermans 2005, those during the past 35 years (NAS 2009). The Conway et al. 2008, Conway 2009; NABCI Sora migrates far south of Michigan to the Gulf 2009). An exception is the dataset of the Marsh of Mexico and northern South America (Melvin Monitoring Program in the Great Lakes region, and Gibbs 1996, Clements and Shany 2001). which shows a statistically significant decline of Migration begins in late September, with some Soras in the region of 5.3% during the first ten staying in Michigan through October (Adams years of the survey (Crewe et al. 2006) and 1979). Timing of fall migration might coincide 4.9% from 1995-2007 (Archer and Jones 2009). with the onset of autumn frost (Walkinshaw Although found in the same percentage of atlas 1940). blocks and townships as in MBBA I, the Sora shows an 8.8% decline along BBS routes in Breeding Biology Michigan, and a statistically significant decline The Sora nesting cycle begins by late April in of 6.9% along BBS routes in the region from the southern U.S. and by May in the north and 1983 to 2007 (Sauer et al. 2008). usually only one brood of 8-12 is reared (Baicich and Harrison 2005). Nesting is in May Conservation Needs and June in Michigan and Wisconsin (Rabe The Sora is a species of high concern on the 1991, Ribic 2006) but can extend into July in North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, the north (e.g., at Douglas Lake and Charlevoix; primarily because of inadequate population Wood 1951, Pettingill 1974). A Sora’s basket- estimates across most of its range (UMVGL

2005). New federal survey protocols and a Literature Cited coordinated population monitoring effort are underway that will enable managers to better Adams, R.J., Jr. 1979. Seasonal distribution understand population changes of marsh birds and abundance of birds in the Kalamazoo, such as the Sora (Conway and Timmermans Michigan, area. Jack-Pine Warbler 57: 91- 2005, Conway 2009). In addition to the largely 105. unquantified effects of hunting on Sora Archer, R.W., and K.E. Jones. 2009. The populations (Eddleman 1988, UMVGL 2005, Marsh Monitoring Program annual report, Raftovich 2009), ingestion of lead shot leftover 1995-2007: annual indices and trends in from waterfowl hunting has been another source bird abundance and amphibian occurrence of mortality (Melvin and Gibbs 1996). in the Great Lakes basin. Published by Bird Coordinated, annual censusing and monitoring Studies Canada for Environment Canada— of Sora populations (and other rare marsh birds) Canadian Wildlife Service. in protected marsh lands, such as those within Baicich, P.J., and C.J.O. Harrison. 2005. Nests, state game areas, would provide adequate Eggs, and Nestlings of North American estimates of population size and population Birds. 2nd edition. Princeton University trends needed for conservation of this rare and Press, Princeton, New Jersey. declining marshbird in Michigan. Bart, J. 2005. Monitoring the abundance of bird populations. Auk 122: 15-25. Wetland management can be different for rails Berger, A.J. 1951. Nesting density of Virginia than for ducks; in particular, rails need and sora rails in Michigan. Condor 53: 202. shallower water with plenty of emergent sedges Brewer, R., G.A. McPeek, and R.J. Adams, Jr. and grasses for foraging (Eddleman et al. 1988). (eds.). 1991. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Protection of sedge dominated wetlands Michigan. Michigan State University Press, provides nesting and feeding habitat East Lansing, Mich. (Walkinshaw 1940, Martin et al. 1951, Melvin Clements, J.F., and N. Shany. 2001. A Field and Gibbs 1996). The return of beaver Guide to the birds of Peru. Ibis Publishing populations could naturally create sedge Co., Temecula, California. meadows favorable to rails. The Sora is fond of Conway, C.J., and J.P. Gibbs. 2005. eating wild rice in late summer and autumn Effectiveness of call-broadcast surveys for (Walkinshaw 1940, Martin et al. 1951, Melvin monitoring marsh birds. Auk 122: 26-35. and Gibbs 1996), so restoration of wild rice Conway, C.J., and S.T.A. Timmermans. 2005. beds would likely benefit this species. Progress toward developing field protocols for a North American marshbird monitoring Due to climate change, several wetland birds are program. USDA Forest Service General predicted to possibly become extirpated as Technical Report PSW-GTR-191: 997- summer residents from the LP and parts of the 1005. UP (e.g., Alder Flycatcher) or from the entire Conway, C.J., C.P. Nadeau, R.J. Steidl, and state (e.g., Sedge Wren and Swamp Sparrow) A.R. Litt. 2008. Relative abundance, (Price 2000). Although predictions could not be detection probability, and power to detect made for rails, Price’s modeling results suggest population trends of marsh birds in North that marsh birds in general will decline in America. Wildlife Research Report #2008- Michigan. In addition, changes in the dates of 02. U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona first frost in autumn might affect the timing of Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Sora migration with unknown ramifications. Unit, Tucson, AZ.

Conway, C.J. 2009. Standardized North Miles, M. 1861. A catalogue of the mammals, American marsh bird monitoring protocols, birds, reptiles and mollusks of Michigan. In version 2009-2. Wildlife Research Report Winchell, A. 1861. First biennial report of #2009-02. U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona the progress of the geological survey of Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Michigan, embracing observations on the Unit, Tucson, AZ. geology, zoology and botany of the Lower Crewe, T.L., S.T.A. Timmermans, and K.E. Peninsula. Report of the State Geologist, Jones. 2006. The Marsh Monitoring State of Michigan. Hosmer & Kerr, Printers Program 1995 to 2004: a decade of marsh to the State, Lansing, MI. monitoring in the Great Lakes region. National Audubon Society (NAS). 2009. The Published by Bird Studies Canada in Christmas Bird Count Historical Results cooperation with Environment Canada. 28 [Online]. pp. . Eddleman, W.R., F.L. Knopf, B. Meanley, F.A. Accessed 22 Dec 2009 and 11 Jan 2010. Reid, and R. Zembal. 1988. Conservation North American Bird Conservation Initiative, of North American Rallids. Wilson Bulletin U.S. Committee (NABCI). 2009. The State 100: 458-475. of the Birds, United States of America, 2009. Ehrlich, P.R., D.S. Dobkin, and D. Wheye. U.S. Department of Interior: Washington, 1988. The Birder’s Handbook: A Field D.C. Guide to the Natural History of North Pettingill, O.S., Jr. 1974. Ornithology at the American Birds. Simon & Schuster, Inc., University of Michigan Biological Station New York, NY. and the Birds of the Region. Kalamazoo Johnson, R.R., and J.J. Dinsmore. 1985. Nature Center, Special Publication Number Brood-rearing and postbreeding habitat use 1. Kalamazoo, MI. by Virginia Rails and Soras. Wilson Bulletin Price, J. 2000. Modeling the potential impacts of 97: 551-554. climate change on the summer distribution Kleen, V.M., L. Cordle, and R.A. Montgomery. of Michigan’s nongame birds. Michigan 2004. The Illinois Breeding Bird Atlas. Birds and Natural History 7: 3-13. Illinois Natural History Survey, special Rabe, M. 1991. Sora (Porzana carolina). In publication 26, Champaign, Illinois. Brewer, R., G.A. McPeek, and R.J. Adams, Kneeland, S., Jr., M.D. 1859. On the birds of Jr. (eds.). 1991. The Atlas of Breeding Birds Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior. of Michigan. Michigan State University Proceedings of the Boston Society of Press, East Lansing, Mich. Natural History, Vol. VI. 1856 to 1859. Raftovich, R.V., K.A. Wilkins, K.D. Richkus, Boston, MA. S.S. Williams, and H.L. Spriggs. 2009. Martin, A.C., H.S. Zim, and A.L. Nelson. 1951. Migratory bird hunting activity and harvest American Wildlife and Plants: A Guide to during the 2007 and 2008 hunting seasons. Wildlife Food Habits. [1961 reprint of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, original.] Dover Publications, Inc. New Maryland, USA. July 2009. York, NY. (Porzana carolina). In The Birds of North Ribic, C. 2006. Sora (Porzana carolina). In America, No. 250. (A. Poole and F. Gill, Cutright, N.J., R.W. Howe, and B.R. eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Harriman, (eds.). 2006. Atlas of the Philadelphia, PA. Breeding Birds of Wisconsin. The

Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, Waukesha, WI. Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, and J. Fallon. 2008. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Results and Analysis 1966-2007. Version 5.15.2008. USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Laurel, MD. Temple, S.A., J.R. Cary, and R. Rolley. 1997. Wisconsin Birds: A Seasonal and Geographical Guide. 2nd edition. The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin. Tozer, D.C. 2007. Sora (Porzana carolina). In Cadman, M. D., D. A. Sutherland, G. G. Beck, D. Lepage, and A. R. Couturier (eds.). 2007. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. UMVGL steering committee. 2005. Upper Mississippi River Valley and Great Lakes waterbird conservation plan. Draft 3, October 2005, for review. North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, accessed online, Dec. 2009, at: . Last Updated December 6, 2007. Walkinshaw, L.H. 1940. Summer life of the Sora Rail. Auk 57: 153-168. Wood, N.A. 1951. The Birds of Michigan. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Miscellaneous Publication No. 75. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI.

Suggested Citation

Powless, D. 2011. Sora (Porzana carolina). In Chartier, A.T., J.J. Baldy, and J.M. Brenneman (eds.). 2010-2011. The Second Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas. Kalamazoo Nature Center. Kalamazoo, MI. Accessed online at: .