People come to the Santa Monica Mountains to be with nature, to get away from the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. They know wildlife lives here, too, that squirrels will be their neighbors, and that coyote & owls will call out in the night. But there are many critters that are rarely seen, even by old-timers. Sometimes it’s because they are nocturnal. Other times it’s because of dwindling population from loss of habitat, or from poisonous rodenticides. Some animals simply avoid humans altogether and live in the less populated parts of the mountains. Then, there are those we can’t see because they are camouflaged. You can be looking right at them and not even know it. So it is with Invisible Birds.
Invisible birds, are so rarely seen, so how do you know they are there? Why, by their calls.
Virginia Rail, (Rallus limicola) Photo Credit: Dave Menke USFWS
Listen to Call of the Virginia Rail, from Cornell Macauly Library
The Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) and the Sora Rail (Porzana carolina) are marsh birds found at the Malibu Lagoon. “Thin as a rail,” the Virginia Rail has a compressed body, an interesting survival adaptation by this elusive wetland bird, that makes it difficult to see them as they slip through the marsh tule reeds.
The Virginia Rail prefers to evade intruders by running through marsh vegetation where it is safe rather than flying away. When it does fly, it only flies a few yards before disappearing again, once more invisible in the marsh.
The Virginia Rail’s Latin species name, “limicola,” means “mud dweller.” True to their name, Virginia Rails usually nest in muddy areas in shallow fresh water marshes with new growth. By contrast, wintering birds are often found in salt water marshes.
Though they used to be uncommon visitors, the Virginia Rail is being seen more often now. I wonder how many were seen for Audubon’s Great Backyard Bird count (GBBC) Feb 17th-20th?
Sora Rail, Porzana carolina, Photo Credit: Dave Menke, USFWS, Siskiyou County, CA
Listen to Call of the Sora Rail, from Cornell Macaulay Library
The Sora Rail (Porzana carolina) also found in the Malibu Lagoon is a small, secretive bird. It’s wonderful, musical “whinny call” can be easily heard from deep within the tule reeds, but trying to see the little bird is a different matter as it is well camouflaged in the reeds. “sor-AH” “sor-AH”
Common Poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, Photo by Allan Sander, CA GBBC
Listen to Call of Common Poorwill, from Cornell Macaulay Library
Another Invisible Bird is the Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii). The Common Poorwill is not a rail and is not a marsh bird. They are nightjars of the arid West, the smallest members of their family. They prefer the dry grassy Malibu canyons like Zuma and Trancas Canyons. Their cry of “poorwill” is familiar to residents there.
It requires keen perception to see them, as they look just like “Dirt and Twigs”. Great camouflage! So, they don’t run from humans if you happen to approach; they assume you can’t see them. Watch them evade humans at nighttime:
The Common Poorwill can go into a hibernation-like state known as “torpor.” It is one of the only birds that hibernate in winter. (like Anna’s Hummingbirds!) They do this by slowing their metabolic rate and dropping body temperature. Torpor helps the bird survive cold spells when its insect prey would not be active.
Along with Hawks, Owls and Coyote, the calls of these birds join in the magical symphony of the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether seen or unseen, bird calls give us an unmistakable sense of place. You don’t have to see the Invisible Birds of Malibu to know where you are.. It is all in their song~
There’s a symphony going on where you live, too. Take a moment to stop to listen and enjoy each member of the orchestra. We’d love to hear ‘what’s playing’ in your back yard.
© 2012, Kathy Vilim. All rights reserved. This article is the property of BeautifulWildlifeGarden.com If you are reading this at another site, please report that to us
About Kathy Vilim
One of the most treasured sightings on my lifelist is a sora. I can take no credit–the woman I was with had eyes like an eagle, and it was one heckuva spotting. Took me an hour to ID it, but such a fabulous bird!
UrsulaV recently posted..The Container Of My Dreams
Wow, Ursula, you must have been thrilled. Hope you got to hear its call~ I think it’s wonderful~
Kathy, marsh birds are certainly interesting birds…we have a wetlands down the road and we occasionally see a rail there with a heron…you have some beautiful birds…I love listening to the birds in the garden and trying to identify the different instruments (birds) in the symphony…it is amazing and I never have to see a single bird
Wonderful, Donna. Which musicians do you have going on in your yard? Can you hear the rails, or are you too far from the marsh?
Great post!
I love the audio, the video (amazing how close the poorwill lets you get) and the stories. Very cool.
Best,
DB
David Bourne recently posted..How to Shoot Better Video: The Top 5 Production Tips – How Storytelling Works
Thanks, David. Glad you enjoyed the post. I have so much fun mixing media, working with the audio & finding recordings of my bird friends. That library is so organized. Yes, I was amazed about the poorwill, too. Another reason to be careful where you step, esp at nighttime
Some of my best finds in the wildlife arena have been via my ears. I know many a bird is in the area yet haven’t seen them, but I hear their call in the distance woods. I’m a big believer of listening in on wildlife. Great stuff Kathy!
Loret T. Setters recently posted..Responsibility on the Internet
Thanks, Loret. I’m sure you have a great symphony going on at your place~
I’ve seen Sora several times as well as Virginia Rails and Clapper Rails. My nemesis is a Black Rail, which I’ve heard several times, but have never seen despite many years of searching.
Carole Brown recently posted..A Love Letter to Wildlife
It seems we have the rails on both coasts, YAY. Where do you go to observe them?
Wishing you lots of happy concerts in your yard~
The poor Poorwill! I feel sorry for him/her that he has to hide! Maybe he/she has fun being evasive? I love that Kathy has reminded me about night sounds. My ears will be more open and my energy more targeted to listen in the shadows. Kathy always finds unique stories and perspectives to share.
Thanks for stopping by, Judith. I think the Poorwill likes his lot in life.. his camouflage is a good way to sneak up on nighttime insects and hide from predators, too. Hope I have inspired you to take time to listen to the orchestra in your yard~
How lovely, reading this makes me want to go back to southern california so I can try to find these birds.
Thanks so much, Melanie. Did U check out the sound of the Sora Rail? So pretty~ What birds do you listen to up where you are in Canada? Do you have any marshes?
Great post1 Love to hear about birds not common to my area. I did the GBBC, unfortunately I did not see many birds. Of course yesterday and today, I have seen quite a few. I had a good time though. I did see two squirrels lol Have a good week
Good for you, getting involved w/ the GBBC. Glad you enjoyed hearing abo the Invisible Birds of Malibu.
That is so cool! I never knew that some birds have the talent to camoflauge. I happen to know the area of Malibu where these birds live, but never knew they were there before this article. This gives me even more to enjoy; I will try to hear their songs.
One of the best jobs in the world; spending time quietly in nature waiting and listening for these distinctive songs to record them for scientific record, and the pleasure of the rest of us.
Delightful.
Glad you liked the post. Yes, the camouflauge is a neat feature for sure. Interesting you mention it being a great job: listening for these songs to record them.. I think I agree. I wouldn’t mind that job. And it is important work, for the education & pleasure of the rest of us. Thanks for stopping by to comment.