Wildlifeof China
Slaty-legged Crake
Cranes, Rails & Bustards
Photo: TJ Parpan · CC BY 4.0
Rallina eurizonoides
Basic stats
Diet
Berries and insects
Habitat
Swamps and wet areas in well-wooded country
Clutch size
4-8 eggs
Incubation period
About 20 days (a study in Kerala, India)
Size
About 25cm
The slaty-legged crake, or banded crake, is about 25 cm long, with a body flattened from side to side for moving through undergrowth. It has a brown back, chestnut head and breast, strong black-and-white barring on the flanks, belly and undertail, a white throat, a yellowish bill and green legs.
It is territorial but secretive, hiding in bushes when disturbed. It probes in mud or shallow water and picks up food by sight, taking berries and insects on the ground or in undergrowth. It nests on the ground or in a low bush, usually near forest paths and streams, laying four to eight eggs.
Quick answers
- What does the Slaty-legged Crake eat?
- Berries and insects
- What habitat does the Slaty-legged Crake live in?
- Swamps and wet areas in well-wooded country
- How many eggs does the Slaty-legged Crake lay?
- 4-8 eggs
- How long are the eggs of the Slaty-legged Crake incubated?
- About 20 days (a study in Kerala, India)
- How big is the Slaty-legged Crake?
- About 25cm