Featured Species

Bay-Delta is the lead office for eight threatened or endangered species including beautiful butterflies, flowering plants, furry rodents, flying rails and tiny fish. We are also the lead for longfin smelt, which is a candidate for listingunder the Endangered Species Act.

Bay-Delta scientists also frequently assist with conservation issues related to other species, often collaborating with the Service's offices in Arcata, Sacramento and Ventura and with the National Marine Fisheries Service.

A small brown bird by the water

The California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) is one of the largest rails (family Rallidae), measuring 13-19 inches from bill to tail. It is characterized by its hen-like appearance, a long, slightly downward-curving bill, olive-brown upper parts, a cinnamon-buff colored breast,...

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