This search function groups species by taxonomic family, listing all species in each of their families together with their relatives. Once a family is selected, you can order the species listed by first, last, or scientific name.

These are small to medium-sized marsh birds, most of which keep themselves well concealed in the reeds or marsh grasses. The bill may be long and slender, as in the Clapper Rail or Virginia Rail, or stubby and chicken-like, as in the Sora. The two gallinules, allied to the modestly plumaged rails that make up the rest of this group, are more often seen in the open and are more brightly colored.