Striped Crake
NameStriped Crake
Common NameStriped Crake
Scientific NameAenigmatolimnas marginalis
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)22.5
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsAdults have a grey head, neck, and underparts. The back and wings are olive-brown with fine dark streaking, giving a 'striped' appearance, and the flanks are barred dark and white. They possess striking red eyes and a greenish bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, often repeated 'krr-krr-krr' or 'krek-krek-krek' call, especially at dusk or dawn. It can also produce a rapid, dry rattling or clicking sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily as an intra-African migrant. It breeds in southern and eastern Africa and disperses to central and western Africa during the non-breeding season.
Identifying FeaturesGrey head and neck, Striped olive-brown back, Red eyes, Greenish bill, Secretive behavior in dense vegetation, Distinctive rattling call
Description
The Striped Crake is a small, secretive waterbird often found in dense marshy vegetation. It is characterized by its slender body and elusive nature, making it difficult to observe in its natural habitat.
