Spotted Crake

The Spotted Crake is only the size of a Starling. Breeding adults have a brown back with dark streaks, a blue-grey face and an olive-brown breast, all covered with white flecks and spots, and the under tail is a warm buff colour.

Spotted Crakes tend to skulk in thick cover and walk with their body close to the ground with their tail flicking. If they are surprised in the open, they run for cover or jump up and flutter away with legs dangling.

Spotted Crakes live in freshwater wetlands with shallow water and dense vegetation. It is rare in the UK (with around 70 calling males) and it is a difficult bird to see as it spends most of its time in thick cover.

Date: 1st September 2007

Location: Maldon, Essex