Black Crake

Zapornia flavirostra (Swainson, 1837)

Black Crake, Zapornia flavirostra, is a rail in the family Rallidae and breeds across much of Africa. It is found in freshwater marshes wherever there is vegetation for cover, and it is often seen in the open rather than hidden away. The adult is mainly black, with red eyes, a yellow bill, and red legs and feet. It has a short tail and long toes. The species is common to abundant, and it can also move seasonally in areas affected by drought.

Order

Gruiformes

Family

Rallidae — Rails, Crakes & Coots

Breeding range

Africa: widespread