Ash-throated Crake

We have many Ash-throated Crake at Reserva Don Luis.  We can hear them calling, especially in the early evening, with their distinctive, loud & repetitive brilling call.  They are difficult to see but we often observe them flying short distances in the reed beds as our habitat is so suited to these birds.

They have a dark grey appearance with dark brown wings, feathers edged golden brown.  They have a mainly grey bill with distinctive aqua green near the base (upper and lower mandible) and a reddish /chestnut eye.  Throat and breast are a slightly paler grey.

It has a short black upward facing tail which it continually flicks and long grey legs with typical large crake feet.  The black & white barring on the flanks and undertail coverts is often obscured by the wings.

Length appx. 20cm