Ruddy-breasted Crake

Overview

The ruddy-breasted crake (Zapornia fusca), also known as the ruddy crake, is a waterbird in the rail and crake family Rallidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Approximately 22–23 cm long with a body flattened laterally to pass through reeds, featuring long toes and a short tail.
• Pale brown back with a chestnut head and underparts, marked by white barring on the flanks and undertail.
• Yellowish bill with red eyes, legs, and feet; juveniles appear dark brown with white spotting.
• Sexes are similar in appearance.

Habitat

Breeding habitats include swamps and similar wet areas across South Asia, extending east to south China, Japan, and Indonesia. It is mainly a permanent resident, though some northern populations migrate south in winter, and it has been recorded as a vagrant in Christmas Island.

Diet

These birds probe in mud or shallow water and pick up food by sight, consuming shoots, berries, insects, and large snails. They eat large snails by using their bills to peck through the hard shell.

Did you know?

Ruddy-breasted crakes are territorial yet secretive, often hiding amongst grassy shrubs and bushes when disturbed.