A highly secretive marshbird, the Yellow Rail’s breeding distribution and population trends in Canada are poorly known (Bookhout 1995, COSEWIC 2009f) and data are insufficient to determine the population status relative to 1970. This species was designated as Special Concern by COSEWIC in 1999 (re-confirmed in 2001 and 2009) because of its low abundance, suspected local declines, and ongoing threats to both breeding and wintering habitats (COSEWIC 2009f). With over 90% of its breeding range in Canada and therefore a large proportion of the global breeding population, Canada's responsibility for the Yellow Rail is very high. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Anthropogenic wetland loss and degradation are likely the most important threats to the Yellow Rail (Environment Canada 2013b). Its breeding habitats are vulnerable to agricultural impacts, water-level changes, invasive plant species and over-grazing by Snow Geese (Hudson and James Bay coastlines), while its restricted wintering range is susceptible to hurricanes and increasing human development (Bookhout 1995, COSEWIC 2009f). Habitat use during migration is poorly known, but ongoing studies are addressing this knowledge gap (e.g., Fournier et al. 2017). The species serves as a useful indicator of the health of wet meadow, fen, and wet prairie habitats (COSEWIC 2009f). For information on the legal status of this species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and to view available recovery documents, see the SARA Registry.
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.
