Invisible Birds of Malibu

Malibu Lagoon

People come to the Santa Monica Mountains to be with nature, to get away from the concrete jungle that is Los Angeles. They know wildlife lives here, too, that squirrels will be their neighbors, and that coyote & owls will call out in the night.  But there are many critters that are rarely seen, even by old-timers. Sometimes it’s because they are nocturnal.  Other times it’s because of dwindling population from loss of habitat or poisonous rodenticides. Some animals avoid humans altogether by living in the less populated parts of the mountains. Then, there are critters we can’t see because they are camouflaged. You can be looking right at them and not even know it. So it is with Invisible Birds.

Invisible birds, are so rarely seen, so how do you know they are there? Why, by their calls.

Virginia Rail, (Rallus limicola) Photo Credit: Dave Menke USFWS

Listen to Call of theVirginia Rail, from Cornell Macauly Library

The Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) and the Sora Rail (Porzana carolina) are marsh birds found at the Malibu Lagoon. “Thin as a rail,” the Virginia Rail has a compressed body, an interesting survival adaptation by this elusive wetland bird, that makes it difficult to see them as they slip through the marsh tule reeds (Scripus acutus Tule).

The Virginia Rail prefers to evade intruders by running through marsh vegetation where it is safe rather than flying away. When it does fly, it only flies a few yards before disappearing again, once more invisible in the marsh.

The Virginia Rail’s Latin species name, “limicola,” means “mud dweller.” True to their name, Virginia Rails usually nest in muddy areas in shallow fresh water marshes with new growth, rather than salt water marshes.

Sora Rail, (Porzana carolina), Photo Credit: Dave Menke, USFWS

Listen to Call of the Sora Rail, from CornellMacaulay Library

The Sora Rail (Porzana carolina), also found in the Malibu Lagoon, is a small, secretive bird. It’s wonderful, musical “whinny call” can be easily heard from deep within the tule reeds, but trying to see the little bird is a different matter as it is well camouflaged in the reeds. “sor-AH” “sor-AH”

Common Poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, Photo by Allan Sander, CA GBBC

Listen to Call of Common Poorwill, from Cornell Macaulay Library

Another Invisible Bird is the Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii).  The Common Poorwill is not a rail and is not a marsh bird. They are nightjars of the arid West, the smallest members of their family. They prefer the dry grassy Malibu canyons like Zuma and Trancas Canyons. Their cry of “poorwill” is familiar to residents there.

It requires keen perception to see the Common Poorwill, as they look just like “Dirt and Twigs”. Great camouflage! They won’t run from humans if you happen to approach; they assume you can’t see them!  

Along with the sounds of Hawks, Owls and Coyote, the calls of these birds join in the magical symphony of the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether seen or unseen, bird calls give us an unmistakable sense of place.  You don’t have to see the Invisible Birds of Malibu to know where you are.. It is all in their song~

There’s a symphony going on where you live, too.  Take a moment to stop to listen and enjoy each member of the orchestra. We’d love to hear ‘what’s playing’ in your back yard.