The sora, sora rail or Carolina crake (Porzana carolina) is a small waterbird of the rail family Rallidae, sometimes also referred to as the sora rail or sora crake, that occurs throughout much of North America.

Soras are small, chubby, chickenlike birds with long toes. They have a stubby bill unlike other rails in the United States and Canada, which have longer bills. They frequently hold their short tail cocked up. Larger than a Song Sparrow, smaller than a Virginia Rail.

It may not seem like it, because seeing a Sora takes some effort, but the Sora is the most abundant and widespread rail in North America. Soras have earned several nicknames including Carolina rail, soree, meadow chicken, and ortolan.

The Sora makes its presence known with plaintive whistles and whinnies rising from the marshes all across North America. Despite its abundance, it is not often seen: As with other rails, it spends most of its time hidden in dense marshy growth or wet meadows.

Irregular summer resident in suitable marshes. Transient, common from mid-August to mid-October, but rare in spring and breeding still more rarely. Arrives late April or early May; departs November–December. —Bagg & Eliot. Common in the fall migration. Arrives late April; departs November, with a few overwintering. —Mass Audubon. CAROLINA RAIL .

Fairly small rail; short yellow bill, black face, and gray neck distinctive. Found in marshes with grasses or reeds; generally shy but often seen foraging at the edge of shallow water.

The Sora is the most abundant and widely distributed rail in North American, but in Tennessee, it is a rare nester and most likely to be found in the state during migration. It is a secretive marsh bird, more likely to be heard than seen, with its distinctive descending whinny call that can be heard from the depths of the rushes and sedges.

The sora, Porzana carolina is a tiny waterbird belonging to the Rallidae family. It is also known as the sora rail or sora crake. Porzana and Carolina are both derived from Venetian names for little rails. Porzana alludes to the Carolina Colony. The name “Sora” is most likely derived from a Native American language.

During the autumnal months, a goodly number of Soras are found in the rice-fields and fresh-water marshes of the Carolinas. Sometimes also they have been shot in salt-water marshes, in spring, while on their northward migration. At this period they are very silent, until forced to fly. In those States none are seen during summer.

The Sora, scientifically known as Porzana carolina, is a small and elusive waterbird belonging to the rail family Rallidae. This species, sometimes referred to as the sora rail or sora crake, is adorned with dark-marked brown upperparts and a striking blue-grey face and underparts.