Red-legged Crake

Overview

The red-legged crake is a medium-large waterbird belonging to the rail and crake family, Rallidae. It is assessed as being of least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its large range and lack of evidence for significant decline.

Identification

• Medium-large crake measuring 24 cm in length.
• Head, neck, and breast are red-brown, paler on the throat, while upper parts are grey-brown.
• Underparts and underwings feature black and white barring.
• Possesses a green bill and red legs.
• Vocalisations consist of a series of descending croaks, screams, and grunts.

Habitat

Found in dense vegetation close to permanent wetlands, ranging from paddy fields to dense rainforest. Its primary range includes far north-eastern India, eastern Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, with vagrant records in north-western Australia, Lanyu near Taiwan, and Palau.

Did you know?

The species is partly migratory, but the specific nature of its movements remains poorly understood.