Soras are notoriously secretive marsh birds, making them a challenge to observe closely in their preferred dense wetland habitats in Oregon. Like many rails, they exhibit **subtle sexual dimorphism**, meaning males and females look very similar, but with some discernible differences, especially in breeding plumage.

General Appearance of Adult Soras (both sexes):
Size and Shape: Small, chicken-like birds, roughly the size of a Robin. They have a chunky body, a short neck, and a very short tail often cocked upward.
Coloration:
Back and Upperparts: Olive-brown with dark streaks and white speckles.
Flanks and Belly: Distinctive black and white barring on the flanks. The belly is generally grayish.
Legs and Feet: Yellowish-green legs and long toes, adapted for walking on floating vegetation.
Bill: A key identifying feature is their short, stubby, bright yellow bill.
Undertail Coverts: When the tail is flicked up, conspicuous white undertail coverts are visible.

Subtle Differences (Males vs. Females), especially in Breeding Plumage:
The most reliable visual differences are typically observed during the breeding season (spring and summer in Oregon) when their plumage is at its most vibrant.

1. Black Facial Markings (Mask and Bib):
Male: In breeding plumage, males have a more extensive and darker black mask on their face, extending through the eye area, and a prominent black bib covering the chin and throat. The black is typically solid and well-defined.
Female: Females in breeding plumage also have black on their face and throat, but it is generally less extensive and less intensely black than in males. The black may appear duller, more mottled, or even absent in some individuals. Some females may lack black feathers on the face and throat entirely.

2. Breast Coloration:
Male: The gray on the chest and breast of males tends to be a bit darker and more uniform
Female: The breast of females may be slightly *duller or browner, and the gray can be less pronounced.

3. Size:
While not always obvious in the field, males are generally slightly larger than females. This difference is usually too subtle for confident field identification without direct comparison or specialized measurements.

4. Vocalizations: This is often the most reliable way to determine sex, especially given their secretive nature.
Soras are very vocal, especially during the breeding season and at night. They have several distinctive calls.
Whinny Call: Both sexes give a loud, descending "whinny" call that sounds like "ker-whee, ker-whee, ker-whee-whee-whee." When a mated pair vocalizes, the female's whinny often has a higher frequency, is shorter in length, and can be more variable than the male's. The female's call might begin just as the male completes his.
"Kee-wee" or "Sora-ah" Call: Both sexes also give a two-noted "kee-wee" or "sora-ah" call, where the second note rises in pitch.
Other Calls: Males may make a low cooing sound during courtship displays. Females and males also use a nasal, coot-like call, and incubating adults have a gargle-like call when relieved from their duties.

Juvenile Soras:

Juvenile Soras lack the black facial mask and bib entirely. They are generally buffier or olive-brown on the face and breast, and not as boldly colored as adults. Their eyes are brown, gradually turning reddish-brown as they mature.