Light-footed Ridgway's rail
The light-footed Ridgway's rail is a hen-sized marsh bird that is long-legged, long-toed, and approximately 14 inches long. It has a slightly down-curved beak and a short, upturned tail. Males and females are identical in plumage. Their cinnamon breast contrasts with the streaked plumage of the grayish brown back and gray and white barred flanks. The light-footed Ridgway's rail uses southern California coastal salt marshes, lagoons, and their maritime environs.