The black-tailed crake is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.
Region
Himalayas and Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayas through northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, and into Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Favors dense vegetation in montane forests, bamboo thickets, wet grasslands, and along forest streams. Also uses marshy edges, overgrown ditches, and occasionally rice paddies. It is typically local but can be fairly common where suitable cover and shallow water coexist.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A shy, ground-dwelling rail that keeps to dense undergrowth near water, the black-tailed crake is more often heard than seen. It often flicks its short dark tail while moving through cover. Its presence is frequently revealed by sharp, ticking calls from thickets. Like many rails, it will dash for cover rather than take prolonged flight.
From Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, West Sikkim, India.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, keeping to dense cover near water. Nests are concealed low in thick vegetation; both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing as in many rails. Territorial during breeding season, with soft contact notes between mates.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, metallic ticks and squeaks, along with rapid, chattering trills from cover. Calls often carry at dawn and dusk and can betray the bird’s presence when it remains unseen.
