Ruddy-breasted crake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruddy-breasted crake |
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| In Kolkata, West Bengal, India | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Zapornia
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| Species: |
fusca
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| Synonyms | |
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Rallus fuscus Linnaeus, 1766 |
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The ruddy-breasted crake (Zapornia fusca), also called the ruddy crake, is a small waterbird. It belongs to the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. This bird is known for its shy nature and bright colors.
Contents
Where the Ruddy-breasted Crake Lives
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These crakes live in wet areas like swamps and marshes. They are found across a large part of South Asia. Their home stretches from the Indian subcontinent all the way east to southern China, Japan, and Indonesia.
Some ruddy-breasted crakes are "vagrants." This means they sometimes fly to places they don't usually live. One was even seen on Christmas Island, which is an Australian territory. Most of these birds stay in the same place all year. However, some from northern areas fly south for the winter. This journey is called migration.
What the Ruddy-breasted Crake Looks Like
The ruddy-breasted crake is about 22 to 23 centimeters (about 9 inches) long. Its body is flat from side to side. This special shape helps it move easily through thick reeds and plants. It has long toes and a short tail.
Colors and Features
The back of the crake is a pale brown color. Its head and chest are a pretty chestnut (reddish-brown) color. It has white stripes on its sides and under its tail. The bird's beak is yellowish. Its eyes, legs, and feet are a bright red.
Young Crakes
Both male and female ruddy-breasted crakes look very similar. Young crakes, called juveniles, look a bit different. They are dark brown with some white spots on their bodies.
Life Cycle and Habits
Nesting and Eggs
These crakes build their nests in dry spots on the ground. They hide their nests among marsh plants. A female crake usually lays 6 to 9 eggs.
What They Eat
Ruddy-breasted crakes find their food in mud or shallow water. They also pick up food they see. Their diet includes plant shoots and berries. They also eat insects. A favorite food is large snails. They use their strong bills to peck through the snail's hard shell.
Secretive Birds
Ruddy-breasted crakes are territorial. This means they protect their living space from other birds. However, they are very secretive. If they feel disturbed or scared, they quickly hide among grassy shrubs and bushes. This makes them hard to spot in the wild.
