Little Crake
NameLittle Crake
Common NameLittle Crake
Scientific NamePorzana parva
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)36.5
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a slate-grey head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with a brown back and wings streaked with darker brown. The flanks show faint white barring. The bill is yellowish-green with a red base, and the eyes are bright red. Females and juveniles have buffy-brown underparts.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, rapid, high-pitched 'kerr-kerr-kerr' or 'krek-krek-krek', often given at dusk or dawn. It also produces a softer 'tic-tic-tic' sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of temperate Europe and western Asia, migrating to Africa and southwest Asia for the winter months.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Slate-grey underparts (males), Green bill with red base, Bright red eyes, Brown, streaked back, Secretive behavior in dense wetland vegetation
Description
The Little Crake is a small, secretive waterbird typically found in dense wetland vegetation. Males are characterized by their slate-grey underparts and a distinctive green bill with a red base, while females are duller with buffy underparts.
