Birdsong field guide
African Crake
Crecopsis egregia
A medium-sized, secretive rail of the African grasslands, characterized by its olive-brown streaked upperparts and bold black-and-white barred flanks.
What it sounds like
A rapid, rhythmic series of metallic, clicking 'krek-krek-krek' notes.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It is an intra-African migrant, moving seasonally to follow rainfall patterns and the growth of tall grasses.
- Unlike many other secretive crakes, this species is primarily diurnal and can be seen foraging in the open during wet weather.
- The African Crake is highly territorial and will perform threat displays by puffing out its plumage to reveal its barred flanks.
- Its diet is omnivorous but leans heavily toward invertebrates like termites, beetles, and small mollusks, along with some seeds.
- The nest is a well-concealed shallow cup of grass built within dense vegetation, often just centimeters above the ground or water.
Habitat
Moist grasslands, seasonal floodplains, and tall rank vegetation near marshes.
Range
Widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the most arid desert regions and dense rainforest cores.
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