Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola)

At 9", the Virginia Rail is about 2/3 the size of the King Rail but the coloration of the two birds is almost identical.  It has a rusty breast, strongly barred black-and-white flanks, a streaked olive back, and white undertail coverts.  It is the only small rail in North America with a long bill. 

Found mostly in freshwater and brackish marshes, it is also found in salt marshes in winter.  It is a master of concealment and can slip through the thick cover with scarcely a ripple to indicate its movements.  Rails seldom leave the heavy cover and rarely flush, but when they do, the birds make off on fluttery wings with legs dangling, going only a short distance before dropping into the marsh again. 

Their distinctive call is a series of kid kid kidick kidick phrases, heard chiefly in breeding season.  They also give a descending series of oink notes.  The best chance to see them locally is in Juanita Bay Park, Mercer Slough or Montlake Fill.