Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

Its scientific name, crepitans, is Latin for 'resounding,' a good fit for a marsh bird known for loud, clattering calls. It can also mean 'breaking wind.'

Rallus is the Latin form of 'rail,' which came into English from the French raale. Crepitans comes from crepitare, 'to rattle' or 'crackle.'