From Opus

Photo by nigelblake
Location: Balranald, North Uist, Outer Hebrides

Crex crex

[edit] Identification

The body is mostly buffy gray with rusty-brown wings visible in flight. The back has black centers of the feathers leading to a spotted or striped impression, and some rusty barring can be seen on the flanks. Legs and bill are dull yellow.

[edit] Distribution

Breeds Palearctic; winters Mediterranean to Africa and Madagascar. Accidental in eastern Canada with recent records in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Many 19th century records in the eastern United States.

[edit] Taxonomy

A monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Meadows, grass fields, drier parts of marshes (drier areas than what most of the Porzana species prefer).

[edit] Status

This species has diminished in numbers in the more developed countries. The spread of modern harvest methods to the former Eastern bloc has potential to increase the threat to the species.

[edit] Behaviour

The young before they can fly will try to stay in cover and never runs over newly harvested areas. Modern harvest methods which often take place during that period, can therefore decimate the population if fields are harvested from the edge to the center; reversing that harvest habit with starting from the center has led to some improvements in the survival of these birds.

[edit] Flight

Dangles legs in weak flight.

[edit] Vocalisation

The scientific name mimics its voice.

[edit] External Links