Spotted crake
Porzana porzana
The spotted crake (Porzana porzana) is a small waterbird of the family Rallidae.
About the Spotted crake
The spotted crake (Porzana porzana) is a small waterbird of the family Rallidae. The scientific name is derived from Venetian terms for small rails. The spotted crake's breeding habitat is marshes and sedge beds across temperate Europe into western Asia. They nest in a dry location in marsh vegetation, laying 6–15 eggs. This species is migratory, wintering in Africa and Pakistan. At 19–22.5 cm (7.5–8.9 in) length, spotted crakes are slightly smaller than water rails, from which they are readily distinguished by the short straight bill, yellow with a red base. Adults have mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey breast, with dark barring and white spots on the flanks. They have green legs with long toes, and a short tail which is buff underneath. Immature spotted crakes are similar, but the bl
Fun Facts About Spotted crake
- They nest in a dry location in marsh vegetation, laying 6–15 eggs.
- The spotted crake's breeding habitat is marshes and sedge beds across temperate Europe into western Asia.
- The spotted crake is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
- The Western European population has declined in recent decades, and the species is now a very rare breeding bird in Great Britain.
- At 19–22.5 cm (7.5–8.9 in) length, spotted crakes are slightly smaller than water rails, from which they are readily distinguished by the short straight bill, yellow with a red base.
Conservation Status
The Spotted crake is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porzana |
| Species | Porzana porzana |
Range & Habitat
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