Ruddy-breasted Crake
Zapornia fusca
红胸田鸡
Introduction
Waterbird in the rail and crake family Rallidae, formerly classified in the genus Porzana. Inhabits swamps and similar wet areas across South Asia from the Indian subcontinent east to south China, Japan, and Indonesia. Recorded as a vagrant from the Australian territory of Christmas Island. Mainly a permanent resident throughout its range, though some northern populations migrate further south in winter. Nests in dry locations on the ground within marsh vegetation, laying clutches of 6-9 eggs. Known for its secretive behavior, hiding amongst grassy shrubs and bushes when disturbed.
Description
Small crake measuring 22-23 cm in length. Body is laterally flattened, an adaptation for moving through dense reeds and undergrowth. Features include notably long toes and a short tail. The back is pale brown, while the head and underparts display chestnut coloring. White barring adorns the flanks and undertail. The bill appears yellowish, while the eyes, legs, and feet are red. Sexes are similar in appearance, though juveniles differ by being dark brown with white spotting.
Distribution & Habitat
Range extends across South Asia from the Indian subcontinent eastward through south China and Japan to Indonesia. Inhabits swamps and similar wetland habitats. Primarily sedentary throughout its range, with only northern populations undertaking southward migrations during winter months. Has occurred as a vagrant on Christmas Island.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages by probing in mud and shallow water and by picking up food items visually. Diet includes plant shoots, berries, and insects, as well as large snails, which are consumed by pecking through the shell. Territorial in nature. Extremely secretive, seeking refuge in grassy shrubs and bushes when disturbed. Breeding occurs in marsh vegetation where nests are positioned on dry ground.
Conservation
Not assessed in the provided text.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Zapornia
- eBird Code
- rubcra1
Vocalizations
Subspecies (4)
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Zapornia fusca erythrothorax
Japan, eastern China, Manchuria, Indochina, and Taiwan
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Zapornia fusca fusca
northern Pakistan eastward in sub-Himalayan region to the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Indonesian Archipelago, and Philippines
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Zapornia fusca phaeopyga
Ryukyu Islands (southern Japan)
-
Zapornia fusca zeylonica
western peninsular India and Sri Lanka
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.