This vignette painting shows and adult (in front) and immature Virginia Rail, A species found in marshes throughout much of North America. There are discreet, isolated populations assigned to different subspecies found in parts of Central America, and tropical western South America. The taxonomy of these forms is a matter of debate. The nominate race is quite migratory, wintering in the southern U.S. and Mexico. This is usually an elusive species, more often heard than seen.