Australian crake

The Australian crake , also known as Australian spotted crake, or spotted crake is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is the only species of Australian crake in the genus Porzana.

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Distribution

Region

Australia

Typical Environment

Occupies freshwater and brackish wetlands with dense emergent vegetation, including reedbeds, sedgelands, lignum swamps, and samphire saltmarsh. It also uses artificial habitats such as rice fields, irrigation channels, stormwater ponds, and sewage lagoons. Typically forages along shallow margins, mudflats, and among floating vegetation, avoiding open water. Presence can be patchy and tied to recent rainfall and flooding, with birds shifting to newly inundated sites.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size16–19 cm

Wing Span27–32 cm

Male Weight0.055 kg

Female Weight0.05 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the Australasian or Australian spotted crake, this small rail is notoriously skulking, slipping through dense reeds and rushes at the water’s edge. It was formerly placed in the genus Porzana (as Porzana fluminea). It often responds to high water or drought by moving locally and can appear suddenly at newly flooded wetlands. Despite being widespread, it is easily overlooked due to its secretive habits.

Gallery

Australian crake (far right). 1891 lithograph by Gracius Broinowski.[5]

Australian crake distribution.[15]

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low fluttering flights over vegetation

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, becoming more conspicuous during the breeding season. Pairs nest in dense cover close to water, building a concealed cup from grasses and reeds. Both sexes incubate and tend the chicks, which are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Vocalizations include sharp ticking notes, soft trills, and harsh rattles delivered from cover, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls can be repetitive and ventriloquial, making the bird seem farther away. Occasionally gives a series of accelerating clicks during territorial exchanges.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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