The spotted crake (Porzana porzana) is a migratory waterbird which belongs to the family Rallidae under order Gruiformes. During winter, they migrate to Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh from Europe and Western Asia.
Systematic Position
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Rallidae
- Genus: Porzana
- Species: Porzana porzana
Habit and Habitat
Spotted crake is an aquatic bird. They prefer to live in wetlands rich in aquatic weeds. They like to roam alone or in pairs. They also feed on seeds of aquatic plants, insect and its eggs, larvae, etc. They call out crake.
Physical Description
The body is about 9 inches in length. No differences were observed between male and female birds. The sides of the head and neck are grey. They are brown on the upper side and have occasional black stripes. There are white spots on the front of the back and the neck.
Their wing feathers are white. Their chest area is light brown to gray. Occasionally white spots exist. Near the anus and above and below the tail feathers, the feathers are buff or reddish. They are mainly brown birds, and the underside of the body is less gray.
Breeding of spotted crake
They build nests by collecting grass or reeds in a dry location near water bodies, under bushes. They lay 8-10 eggs in June and July. Both males and females care for eggs up to hatching.
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