In Canada, the King Rail breeds in large marshes in parts of southern Ontario. Targeted searches have suggested a shrinking breeding range and decreasing abundance since the early 1970s (Cosens 1985, COSEWIC 2011g). However, due to its scarcity and the lack of ongoing monitoring, the species' population trend in Canada relative to 1970 remains unknown; the species is therefore considered data deficient. Wetland habitat loss and degradation are likely limiting factors. The King Rail was first designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada as Special Concern in 1985, and re-assessed as Endangered in 1994, 2000, and 2011 (COSEWIC 2011g) owing to its small population size and limited habitat. The species is also listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act since 2003. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
In Canada, King Rails are found only in Ontario and are dependent upon large, persistent marshes for breeding and foraging. Degradation and loss of wetland habitat is the most critical factor in their presumed ongoing population declines throughout their range (Poole et al. 2005, COSEWIC 2011g). Prime King Rail habitat has been lost to development and draining for agriculture, and remaining habitats have been degraded by invasive, non-native wetland plants such as the European Common Reed (Phragmites australis; Cosens 1985, COSEWIC 2011g, Environment Canada 2012a). Perhaps because of habitat degradation, nest success and chick survival are low in some portions of their range (Krementz et al. 2016). However, the recovery of the Canadian population might be further limited by the fact that it is located at the northern edge of a generally declining, and potentially contracting, continental population (Environment Canada 2012a). For information on the legal status of this species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and to view the Recovery Strategy, please 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.