Missouri Fish and Wildlife Information System

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Taxonomy

Common Name: SORA

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AVES

Order: GRUIFORMES

Family: RALLIDAE

Genus: PORZANA

Species: CAROLINA

Taxonomic Authority: (LINNAEUS)

Taxonomy References: 001

Status

GAME
STATE RANK S2
GLOBAL RANK G5

Status References: 018 , 038 , 041 , 052

Habitat Summary

"Occur in marshes with dense emergent vegetation (up to 100 cm tall) and shallow water."

Primary Habitat: "Wetland - marsh"

References:

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Common transient, casual summer resident in north *02*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known	Likely	Unknown
ADAIR	BUTLER	ANDREW
BOLLINGER	CLARK	ATCHISON
BOONE	DUNKLIN	AUDRAIN
BUCHANAN	JEFFERSON	BARRY
CAPE GIRARDEAU	LEWIS	BARTON
CASS	NEW MADRID	BATES
CHARITON	PEMISCOT	BENTON
CLAY		CALDWELL
CLINTON		CALLAWAY
COOPER		CAMDEN
DALLAS		CARROLL
FRANKLIN		CARTER
HOLT		CEDAR
HOWARD		CHRISTIAN
JACKSON		COLE
JASPER		CRAWFORD
JOHNSON		DADE
LACLEDE		DAVIESS
LAFAYETTE		DEKALB
LINCOLN		DENT
LINN		DOUGLAS
LIVINGSTON		GASCONADE
MACON		GENTRY
MARION		GREENE
MISSISSIPPI		GRUNDY
MONROE		HARRISON
PERRY		HENRY
PIKE		HICKORY
PLATTE		HOWELL
RALLS		IRON
RAY		KNOX
SALINE		LAWRENCE
SCOTT		MADISON
ST. CHARLES		MARIES
ST. CLAIR		MCDONALD
ST. LOUIS		MERCER
STE. GENEVIEVE		MILLER
STODDARD		MONITEAU
VERNON		MONTGOMERY
WASHINGTON		MORGAN
WAYNE		NEWTON
		NODAWAY
		OREGON
		OSAGE
		OZARK
		PETTIS
		PHELPS
		POLK
		PULASKI
		PUTNAM
		RANDOLPH
		REYNOLDS
		RIPLEY
		SCHUYLER
		SCOTLAND
		SHANNON
		SHELBY
		ST. FRANCOIS
		STONE
		SULLIVAN
		TANEY
		TEXAS
		WARREN
		WEBSTER
		WORTH
		WRIGHT

References for distribution: 022 , 023 , 025 , 026 , 027 , 028 , 029 , 030 , 031 , 032 , 033 , 037 , 042 , 050 , 055 , 024 , 060 , 002 , 061

Distribution by Watersheds

Wyaconda R.
South Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
South Fork from Headwaters to North Fork
Salt R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Big R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Northwest Corner of Jackson County
Grand R. from Headwaters to Shoal Creek
Thompson R.
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Headwaters to Shuteye Creek
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Lamine R.
Blackwater R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
Black R.
Spring R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Palustrine

Aquatic Associations:

"See Comments"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, all subclasses",
"Palustrine", "Emergent, all subclasses",
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent",
"Palustrine", "Scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous"

References for Aquatic Associations: 017 , 032 , 035 , 036 , 040 , 051 , 058 , 003 , 004 , 005 , 007 , 009 , 011 , 014

Habitat Types:

Marsh
Cereal Grain

References for Habitat Types: 019 , 032 , 039 , 003 , 004 , 009 , 011 , 014

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Ground Water Seepage
Fen

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 032 , 058 , 003 , 004 , 009 , 011 , 014

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Omnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Juvenile diet similar to adult's; Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 032

Adult Food Habits

Cyperaceae (sedge); Fruit/Seeds
Polygonaceae (buckwheat, rhubarb, smartweed); Fruit/Seeds
Gramineae (grass); Fruit/Seeds
Rice; Fruit/Seeds
Wild rice; Fruit/Seeds
Foxtail grass; Fruit/Seeds
Lemnaceae (duckweed); All of plant
Coleoptera (beetles); Larva stage
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Larva stage
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Larva stage
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Aquatic plants; Not Specified
See comments on seasonal variation; Not Specified
Molluscs; Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Adult Stage

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 004 , 005 , 012 , 015 , 016

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 017 , 003 , 004 , 005 , 014 , 015

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 017 , 004 , 005 , 008 , 014

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation: smartweed (Polygonum)
Aquatic vegetation: arrowhead (Sagittaria)
Aquatic vegetation: spike rush (Eleocharis)
Aquatic vegetation: burreed (Sparganium)
Aquatic vegetation: water lily (Nymphaea)
Aquatic vegetation: rushes (Juncus)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: pickerel weed (Pontederia)
Aquatic vegetation: spatterdock
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Density of aquatic vegetation: dense
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Water level: permanently flooded
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: temporarily flooded
Water level: artificially flooded
Water depth: shallow
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Inland wetlands: fen
Stem density specified in comments(00650)

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 017 , 036 , 044 , 047 , 049 , 058 , 003 , 004 , 005 , 007 , 008 , 009 , 011 , 014

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Standing dead vegetation specified in comments(00770)
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation: smartweed (Polygonum)
Aquatic vegetation: arrowhead (Sagittaria)
Aquatic vegetation: lotus (Nelumbo)
Aquatic vegetation: duckweed (Lemna)
Aquatic vegetation: spike rush (Eleocharis)
Aquatic vegetation: buttonbush (Cephalanthus)
Aquatic vegetation: willow (Salix)
Aquatic vegetation: rushes (Juncus)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Water level: permanently flooded
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: artificially flooded
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: non-connected scour hole
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Floodplain wetlands: unfarmed temporary
Water depth: shallow
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: marsh
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: mudflats
Distance to water specified in comments(00430)
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments
Agricultural crops: flooded crop fields
Agricultural crops: rice

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 017 , 035 , 039 , 047 , 053 , 054 , 056 , 057 , 059 , 003 , 004 , 005 , 014 , 015

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

References for resting adult niche requirements: 017 , 004 , 005 , 008 , 014

Niche Requirement Summary

Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Agricultural crops: flooded crop fields
Agricultural crops: rice
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: arrowhead (Sagittaria)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: burreed (Sparganium)
Aquatic vegetation: buttonbush (Cephalanthus)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: duckweed (Lemna)
Aquatic vegetation: lotus (Nelumbo)
Aquatic vegetation: pickerel weed (Pontederia)
Aquatic vegetation: rushes (Juncus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation: smartweed (Polygonum)
Aquatic vegetation: spatterdock
Aquatic vegetation: spike rush (Eleocharis)
Aquatic vegetation: water lily (Nymphaea)
Aquatic vegetation: willow (Salix)
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Density of aquatic vegetation: dense
Distance to water specified in comments(00430)
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Floodplain wetlands: non-connected scour hole
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: unfarmed temporary
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Inland wetlands: fen
Inland wetlands: marsh
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Natural features: mudflats
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Standing dead vegetation specified in comments(00770)
Stem density specified in comments(00650)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water depth: shallow
Water level: artificially flooded
Water level: permanently flooded
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: temporarily flooded

Comments about Life History:

Code	Comment
003	In CT, nests frequently near muskrat houses.15
006	In MD, may climb on plants to feed several feet from ground 13
037	In MI, young 5-6 weeks old seem to have left marsh overland to some other areas 09
004	In MD, forage by picking seeds from ground or water surface and by stripping seeds off plants 13. Seeds gleaned from water or mud surface 10. In MN, usually fed about 1" below water surface 03. In spring peck at seeds, in fall, strip seeds from seed heads 32
016	In MI, outer nest diameter 145 mm, inner diameter 115 mm, outer depth 147 mm, inner depth 62 mm 09 mean IA dimensions: outer depth 6.5", inner depth 1.7", outer diameter 6.5", inner diameter 4.3" 07
017	Incubation 16-19 days in MI 09 in IA, 4 nests incubation 19 days, 1 nest incubation 20 days. 07. In CT, 2 nests incubation 19 days 14
018	In MI, clutch 6-13 eggs, average 9.35 09. In IA, (1951) clutch 5-12, mean 10.2 eggs, (1952) 9-11 eggs, mean 9.5 07 in CT, clutch 8-15, average 11.77 14. In MN, average clutch 10.2 eggs 03
026	Males chase other rails from territory 3-9 weeks prior to nesting, in MN, males defend larger area than females, females did most of chasing during incubation and brooding, soras chased all other rails from territory 03.
031	All documented mortality in AL study occurred between October and March 41.
033	In southeast MO, spring soras present late March-early May, fall migrants arrive early September, depart late October 04. Other spring migration dates listed for Missouri were mid-April to early June 57. Arrive early April in CO 17. In OH, arrive 2nd half-April, most common in May, then scarce until late summer, most depart by October 1 05. In AR, fall migrants reach peak #'s by September 15, most move southward by early November 15. In IA, 2 waves of migration: 1st few days of May, and around May 10 for spring migration 07. In MI, majority arrive late April/early May, majority leave late September/early October 09
035	Regulatory factors: rain, floods, drouth, heat, predators (raccoons, hawks)09,07
007	Nesting starts early May in MI, young hatch late May/early June 09. In IA, nesting season mid-May to late June, hatching peak 2nd and 3rd weeks of June 07
014	In MI study, all nests 2-5" above water level 11. Nests 3-6" above water 10
015	Nest usually of surrounding vegetation 09,14,07
099	In CT study, 69% nesting success 14 in MI, 61.11% nesting success, egg success 66.54% 09 in IA, 75.7% hatching success, 77.8% of 27 nests successful in producing at least 1 chick 07. Parents will return to nest at night to brood young 09. In MN, chicks constantly brooded for 1st 4-7 days, males built brood nest near original nest, parents fed young 2-3 weeks 03. Complete post-nuptial molt July-September in OH, flightless for replacement period 05. In CO, least distance between sora nests-12m, 25m between sora-Virginia rail nests 17. In IA, minimum distance between sora nests-50' 07. In CT, minimum dist. Between sora nests 165', minimum dist. Sora-Virginia rail nests 15' 14. IA densities (1951) 1 nest/3 acres, (1952) 1 nest/2.6 acres 07. In MO study, ingested shot occurred 1.8% of 167 specimens. Lead poisoning is potential problem, as food habits expose soras to spent shot 21

Life History Information

Territoriality specified in comments(026)
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
Migration patterns specified in comments(033)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Dispersal specified in comments(037)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: spring/summer/fall
Closely associated plant or animal species specified in comments(003)
Foraging strategy: gleaning
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: water
Foraging height specified in comments(006)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system: monogamy
Nest/den site: floating aquatic vegetation
Nest/den site: emergent aquatic vegetation
Nest/den site: rushes and cattails
Nest height specified in comments(014)
Nest materials: grasses
Nest materials: forbs
Nest materials: leaves
Nest materials specified in comments(015)
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Development of young at birth/hatching: precocial
Parental care of young: both parents

Comments about Life History:

Code	Comment
003	In CT, nests frequently near muskrat houses.15
006	In MD, may climb on plants to feed several feet from ground 13
037	In MI, young 5-6 weeks old seem to have left marsh overland to some other areas 09
004	In MD, forage by picking seeds from ground or water surface and by stripping seeds off plants 13. Seeds gleaned from water or mud surface 10. In MN, usually fed about 1" below water surface 03. In spring peck at seeds, in fall, strip seeds from seed heads 32
016	In MI, outer nest diameter 145 mm, inner diameter 115 mm, outer depth 147 mm, inner depth 62 mm 09 mean IA dimensions: outer depth 6.5", inner depth 1.7", outer diameter 6.5", inner diameter 4.3" 07
017	Incubation 16-19 days in MI 09 in IA, 4 nests incubation 19 days, 1 nest incubation 20 days. 07. In CT, 2 nests incubation 19 days 14
018	In MI, clutch 6-13 eggs, average 9.35 09. In IA, (1951) clutch 5-12, mean 10.2 eggs, (1952) 9-11 eggs, mean 9.5 07 in CT, clutch 8-15, average 11.77 14. In MN, average clutch 10.2 eggs 03
026	Males chase other rails from territory 3-9 weeks prior to nesting, in MN, males defend larger area than females, females did most of chasing during incubation and brooding, soras chased all other rails from territory 03.
031	All documented mortality in AL study occurred between October and March 41.
033	In southeast MO, spring soras present late March-early May, fall migrants arrive early September, depart late October 04. Other spring migration dates listed for Missouri were mid-April to early June 57. Arrive early April in CO 17. In OH, arrive 2nd half-April, most common in May, then scarce until late summer, most depart by October 1 05. In AR, fall migrants reach peak #'s by September 15, most move southward by early November 15. In IA, 2 waves of migration: 1st few days of May, and around May 10 for spring migration 07. In MI, majority arrive late April/early May, majority leave late September/early October 09
035	Regulatory factors: rain, floods, drouth, heat, predators (raccoons, hawks)09,07
007	Nesting starts early May in MI, young hatch late May/early June 09. In IA, nesting season mid-May to late June, hatching peak 2nd and 3rd weeks of June 07
014	In MI study, all nests 2-5" above water level 11. Nests 3-6" above water 10
015	Nest usually of surrounding vegetation 09,14,07
099	In CT study, 69% nesting success 14 in MI, 61.11% nesting success, egg success 66.54% 09 in IA, 75.7% hatching success, 77.8% of 27 nests successful in producing at least 1 chick 07. Parents will return to nest at night to brood young 09. In MN, chicks constantly brooded for 1st 4-7 days, males built brood nest near original nest, parents fed young 2-3 weeks 03. Complete post-nuptial molt July-September in OH, flightless for replacement period 05. In CO, least distance between sora nests-12m, 25m between sora-Virginia rail nests 17. In IA, minimum distance between sora nests-50' 07. In CT, minimum dist. Between sora nests 165', minimum dist. Sora-Virginia rail nests 15' 14. IA densities (1951) 1 nest/3 acres, (1952) 1 nest/2.6 acres 07. In MO study, ingested shot occurred 1.8% of 167 specimens. Lead poisoning is potential problem, as food habits expose soras to spent shot 21

References for life history: 017 , 021 , 032 , 041 , 047 , 057 , 002 , 003 , 004 , 007 , 009 , 010 , 011 , 013 , 014 , 015 , 061

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Regulate harvest of species being described
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - control water levels

Beneficial Management References: 032 , 034 , 043 , 045 , 046 , 004

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - control aquatic plants
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes

Adverse Management References: 032 , 034 , 004 , 006

Comments on Management:
Destruction of wetlands is greatest threat *04,06*. In OH, rails occupied stands of nodding smartweed, water millet, and redroot cyperus in units reflooded with 6-24" in mid-August. With marsh divided into several independent control units, is feasible to establish system of biennial drawdowns on alternate units *05*. In southeast MO, rails and shorebirds selectively attracted to man-made wetlands. Shallow flooding (5-15cm) of moist soil plants in September-October and late March-early may attract soras and virginia rails. Management for spring migrants successful only in vegetation types that provide emergent cover, plant species composition appeared to have little impact. For spring migrants, need late fall and winter drawdown of early successional annual grasses, or selection of later successional stage sedges, rushes, and woody shrubs. Rail and shorebird management mutually exclusive. Regular use of one impoundment by both rails and shorebirds might be obtained in fall by disking higher elevations of unit and leaving vegetation standing in low areas, if disked portions then flooded to appropriate depth for shorebirds, water depths in lower, vegetated portions probably suitable for rails. Late summer flooding for southbound rails effectively set back succession on one plot. In southeast MO, manipulations to attract spring migrants should be underway when eastern cottonwood and red maple reach peak blooming. Areas flooded for spring rails can be dewatered when flowering dogwood finished blooming. Impoundments for southbound rails should be flooded as american lotus and trumpet creeper complete blossoming, and can be dewatered when goldenrod blossoms degenerate *04*. Should provide rank emergent vegetation with diversity of substrate conditions and water depths. Manipulation of water level in fall to provide access to maturing seed heads of annual grasses or smartweed may be beneficial *35*. Wetland impoundments with sloping or irregular bottoms provide greater diversity of water levels *45*. should maximize interspersion of emergents and open water *43,46*, and encourage growth of sedges, bulrush, cattails and moist-soil annuals around edges of wetlands *47*.

References for Management Comments: 035 , 043 , 045 , 046 , 004 , 005 , 006

References

Reference Code	Citation
001	American Ornithologists Union. 1983. Checklist Of North American Birds (6th Ed.) Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. 877 Pp.
002	Unpb Wilson, Jim D. Mo Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
003	Unpb Kaufman, G.W. 1971. Behavior And Ecology Of The Sora, Porzana Carolina And Virginia Rail, Rallus Limicola. Ph.D. Thesis. Univ. Mn. 184pp.
004	Unpb Rundle, W.D. 1980. Management, Habitat Selection, And Feeding Ecology Of Migrant Rails And Shorebirds. M.S. Thesis. Univ. Mo, Columbia, 228pp.
005	Unpb Andrews, D.A. 1973. Habitat Utilization By Sora, Virginia Rails And King Rails Near Southwestern Lake Erie. M.S. Thesis. Oh St. Univ.
006	Sanderson, G.C. 1977. Management Of Migratory Shore And Upland Game Birds In North America. Inter. Assoc. Fish and Wildl. Agency. 358 Pp.
007	Unpb Tanner, W.D. 1953. Ecology Of The Virginia And King Rails And The Sora In Clay County, Iowa. Ph.D. Thesis. Ia St. College. Ames. 154pp.
008	Griese, H.J., R.R. Ryder, and C.E. Braun. 1980. Spatial And Temporal Distribution Of Rails In Colorado. Wilson Bull. 92(1):96-102.
009	Walkinshaw, L.H. 1940. Summer Life Of The Sora Rail. Auk 57:153-168.
010	Bent, A.C. 1926. Life Histories Of North American Marsh Birds. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 135. 490 Pp.
011	Berger, A.J. 1951. Nesting Density Of Virginia And Sora Rails In Michigan. Condor 53(4):202.
012	Horak, G.J. 1970. A Comparative Study Of The Foods Of The Sora And Virginia Rail, Wilson Bull. 82(2):206-213.
013	Meanley, B. 1965. Early Fall Food And Habitat Of The Sora In The Patuxent River Marsh, Maryland. Chesapeake Sci. 6:235-237.
014	Unpb Billard, R.S. 1948. An Ecological Study Of The Virginia Rail (Rallus Limicola) And The Sora (Porzana Carolina) In Some Connecticut Swamps. M.S. Thesis. Ia St. College, Ames.
015	Meanley, B. 1960. Fall Food Of The Sora Rail In The Arkansas Rice Fields. J. Wildl. Manage. 24:339.
016	Webster, C.G. 1964. Fall Foods Of Soras From Two Habitats In Connecticut. J. Wildl. Manage. 28(1):163-165.
017	Glahn, J.F. 1974. Study Of Breeding Rails With Recorded Calls In North-Central Colorado. Wilson Bull. 86(3):206-214.
018	Missouri Register. Migratory Game Birds And Waterfowl: Seasons, Limits. 3csr 10-7.440.
019	Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
020	Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
021	Artmann, J.W. and E.M. Martin. 1975. Incidence Of Lead Shot In Sora Rails. J. Wildl. Manage. 39(3):514-519.
022	Birds Of Squaw Creek National Wildife Refuge. 1975. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service. Rf-663560-2.
023	Birds Of The Bennett Spring State Park Area Field Checklist. Nature Interpretive Center Staff.
024	Birds Of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.1970.Department Of The Interior Fish And Wildlife Service.Bureau Of Sport Fisheries And Wildlife.Refuge Leaflet 179-R3.
025	Dierker, W.W. 1979. Birds Of The Hannibal Missouri Area. Trans. Mo. Acad. Sci. 13:41-51.
026	Welcome To Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Pamphlet.
027	Heye, P.L. 1975. A Preliminary List Of The Birds Of The Cape Girardeau, Missouri Area. S.E. Mo State Univ., Cape Girardeau, Mo.
028	Kelly, J. and C. Hobbs (Compilers). 1978. Bird Checklist, Greater Kansas City Area. Burroughs Audubon Society Of Kansas City (Publishers).
029	Duck Creek Bird Checklist. 1979. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, Jefferson City, Mo.
030	Robbins, M. 1978. Spring Survey. Bluebird 45(3):14-20.
031	Robbins, M. 1978. Summer Survey. Bluebird 45(4):10-15.
032	Unpb Fredrickson, L.H. Univ. Mo-Columbia, Gaylord Research Lab. Puxico, Mo 63960 (573)222-3203.
033	Unpb Reed, F.A. Univ. Of Missouri. 112 Stephens Hall. Columbia, Mo 65211. (573)882-3436.
034	Unpb Smith, J.W. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo 65201 (573-882-9880).
035	Sayre, M.W. and W.D. Rundle. 1984. Comparison Of Habitat Use By Migrant Soras And Virginia Rails. J. Wildl. Manage. 48(2):599-605.
036	Johnson, R.R. and J.J. Dinsmore. 1986. Habitat Use By Breeding Virginia Rails And Soras. J. Wildl. Manage. 50(3):387-392.
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