The African crake (Crex egregia) is a bird in the rail family that breeds in most of sub-Saharan

Africa, except for the arid south and southwest. A partial migrant, it moves away from the equator as
soon as the rains provide sufficient grassland or crops for breeding areas. It is commonly found in
most of its range, depending on the season. A smallish crake, it has brown-streaked blackish
upperparts, bluish-grey underparts and black-and-white barring on the flanks and belly, with a red
bill, red eyes, and white facial streak. Its most characteristic call is a series of rapid
grating krrr notes. The male has a territorialthreat display, and may fight at territory boundaries. The
nest is a shallow cup of grass leaves built in a depression under a grass tussock or small bush. The
311 eggs start hatching after about 14 days, and the black, downy precocial chicks fledgeafter four
to five weeks. The African crake feeds on a wide range of invertebrates, along with some small frogs
and fish, and plant material, especially grass seeds. It may itself be eaten by large birds of prey,
snakes, or mammals, including humans. (Full article...)