The Sora is the most abundant and widely distributed North American rail (Melvin and Gibbs 2012). Breeding in wetlands across Canada except in the far north, the secretive Sora is clearly recognised by its high-pitched call (Tozer 2007b). Results from the Breeding Bird Survey suggest little overall change in abundance since 1970 despite large inter-annual fluctuations, but the Sora’s dependence upon wetlands year-round leaves it vulnerable to habitat change (Melvin and Gibbs 2012). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Although a legally-harvested game bird in many parts of North America, including in Manitoba and Ontario, little is known about hunting impacts on Sora populations (Melvin and Gibbs 2012). Additional sources of mortality likely include ingestion of lead shot and collisions during migration, but the most important threats to this species are pollution and destruction of wetlands required for breeding, migration, and wintering (Melvin and Gibbs 2012).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
