The Yuma Ridgway's Rail (Rallus obsoletus yumanensis), a subspecies of the Ridgway's Rail, is a brown marsh bird about the size of a chicken.
Typically secretive and rarely seen, most usually know the bird is around when it vocalizes—letting off a repetitive, sharp clapping.
The Yuma race is a federally endangered species found in the marshes of the lower Colorado River, the Salton Sea in California, the Ciénega de Santa Clara in Mexico, and the Gila River in Arizona. They prefer younger stands of cattail and bulrush, and eat crayfish, freshwater clams, and other invertebrates.
As farm fields turn into houses, and water is diverted from rivers, marsh habitat is disappearing—and so is the rail.
Through our Water strategy, Audubon Southwest has worked to raise awareness about the Yuma Ridgway's Rail, and to protect it and the habitat it relies on.
Our efforts to protect the Yuma Ridgway's Rail:
Marsh Birding: The Search for the Yuma Ridgway's Rail
Yuma Ridgway's Rails in the News
Yuma Ridgway's Rail Conservation
Using science to inform advocacy and conservation that protects an elusive, federally endangered marsh bird.
Conservation Ranching
A market-based approach to restore and enhance imperiled grasslands throughout the Southwest.
How you can help, right now
Join the Western Rivers Action Network
Join WRAN to receive action alerts about water issues, as well as issues that are affecting birds across the arid West.
Donate
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss, and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
Visit the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
