Rallidae Temporal range: Early Eocene – Recent
Dusky moorhen, Gallinula tenebrosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Subclass:	Neornithes
Infraclass:	Neognathae
Superorder:	Neoaves
Order:	Gruiformes
Family:	Rallidae Vigors, 1825

Red-legged crake, Rallina fasciata

Water rail, Rallus aquaticus

Immature Spotted crake (Porzana porzana)

The rails, or Rallidae, are a large family of small to medium-sized birds. The rails are related to cranes, and both are in the order Gruiformes.

The family is diverse, and includes the crakes, coots, and gallinules. Many species are associated with wetlands, although the family is found in every terrestrial habitat except dry deserts, polar regions and alpine areas above the snow line. The Rallidae are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are numerous island species. The most common habitats are marshland or dense forest. They like dense vegetation.<Hor/>

There are many rails on islands, and they are often flightless. view more...