- Crex crex
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.
The scientific name mimics its voice.
Distribution
Breeds Palearctic; winters Mediterranean to Africa and Madagascar.
Taxonomy
A monotypic species.
Habitat
Meadows, grass fields, drier parts of marshes (drier areas than what most of the Porzana species prefer).
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.
Concervation Concern
This species has deminished in numbers in the more developed countries. The spread of modern harvest methods to the former east block has potential to increase the threat to the species.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Crex crex (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
