AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Porzana carolina
Sora
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, plump, and short-tailed wetland bird with a distinctive, compact silhouette. Adults are characterized by a bright, stubby yellow bill and a striking black mask that extends from the forehead down the lores, chin, and central throat. The sides of the head, neck, and breast are a soft slate-grey. The upperparts are rich brown, intricately patterned with black streaks and fine white edges, providing superb camouflage. The flanks are sharply barred with dark brown and white, and the undertail coverts are a contrasting warm buffy-white. Legs are long and bright yellowish-green.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gruiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Rallidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Porzana
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Breeds in shallow freshwater marshes, emergent wetlands, and fens rich in cattails, sedges, and bulrushes. During migration and wintering in the tropics, it utilizes a wide variety of habitats including rice fields, mangrove edges, flooded fields, and freshwater swamp margins.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly crepuscular but active throughout the day under dense cover. They walk deliberately, constantly twitching their short tails upward to display the white undertail coverts. They are solitary outside the breeding season but can gather in large numbers in prime foraging habitats like rice fields during migration.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly territorial on breeding grounds, defending areas with aggressive displays. During migration and wintering, territoriality decreases significantly, allowing individuals to feed within meters of each other without conflict.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial/palustrine omnivore and granivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
An opportunistic omnivore. Its diet is heavily focused on seeds of wetland plants (especially smartweeds, sedges, and wild rice) during the winter, supplemented by aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, snails, and small crustaceans. It is preyed upon by raptors, owls, snakes, and larger wading birds.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Monogamous. Nests are built as a well-woven cup of dead vegetation attached to standing emergent plants just above the water level. The female lays a remarkably large clutch of 6 to 12 buff-colored eggs speckled with brown. Both parents incubate the eggs for 18 to 20 days. The precocial chicks are black with a unique tuft of orange chin feathers and a red bill knob; they leave the nest right after hatching.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
19.0 - 25.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
49 g - 112 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.6 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
18 - 20
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a highly compressed lateral body shape that allows frictionless movement through tightly packed marsh vegetation like cattails and reeds.
An incredibly efficient nocturnal migrant; despite having short wings and a clumsy heavy appearance in short flights, it is capable of flying thousands of kilometers nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss and degradation of wetlands due to agricultural conversion, runoff contamination from pesticides, and collisions with communication towers during nocturnal migration.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The Sora's most famous call is a loud, whinnying series of notes that sounds like a miniature horse dropping in pitch, often triggered by loud noises like a hand clap.