The red-necked crake is a waterbird in the rail and crake family, Rallidae.
Region
New Guinea and northern Australia
Typical Environment
It inhabits lowland rainforest, swamp forest, and monsoon forest with dense ground cover, especially near streams and marshy margins. It favors tangled vegetation such as pandanus thickets, vine tangles, and reedbeds. The species forages on damp leaf litter and mud along shaded creeks and forest pools. It occasionally uses overgrown edges of plantations or clearings if cover is retained.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-necked crake is a secretive rail that keeps to dense, wet understory and is often heard more than seen. When flushed, it bursts into a short, explosive flight before diving back into cover. Pairs frequently call in duet at dusk and dawn. Chicks, like many rails, are precocial and covered in black down.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers to run through cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are placed low and hidden in dense vegetation near water. Both sexes are believed to share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Territorial calls are common at dawn and dusk, especially during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls include sharp squeals, croaks, and repeated grunting notes, often given as antiphonal duets. Vocalizations carry well through dense forest and are used to maintain contact and advertise territory.
