Black Crake

Overview

The black crake (Zapornia flavirostra) is a waterbird in the rail and crake family that breeds across most of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding very arid regions. It is a common to abundant species that has benefited from human activity, such as deforestation, and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adults measure 19–23 cm in length and feature mainly black plumage with a rarely detectable brown olive tone on the wings and upperparts.
• The bird has a yellow bill, red eyes, and red legs and feet, with most males possessing a hooked upper mandible.
• The main call is a duet beginning with a throaty chattering krrrok-kraaaa followed by a dove-like cooing coo-crr-COO.

Habitat

This species inhabits freshwater marshes of all types, provided there is vegetation to offer cover, and undertakes seasonal movements in areas subject to drought. It is found throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding very arid regions.

Diet

The black crake feeds on a wide range of invertebrates, small fish, frogs, and seeds, while also taking bird eggs and scavenging on carcasses. It forages on the ground or climbs reeds to catch flying insects and has been observed perching on hippopotamuses and warthogs to remove parasites.

Did you know?

The black crake will perch on hippopotamuses and warthogs to remove parasites. It is also extremely aggressive when breeding, attacking and killing rails of other species that are as large as itself.