The Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostra) is a small, common, and conspicuous rail found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily identifiable by its glossy black plumage and bright yellow bill and legs.
Where to spot
Widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, excluding arid regions. Inhabits a variety of freshwater wetlands, including marshes, swamps, reedy lake edges, ponds, and even temporary puddles.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive all-black plumage with a bright yellow bill and legs. They are often seen walking or running along the water's edge, frequently flicking their white undertail. Listen for their characteristic 'krrrok' calls.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Active throughout the day, but often more visible in the early morning and late afternoon.
Where to spot
Widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, excluding arid regions. Inhabits a variety of freshwater wetlands, including marshes, swamps, reedy lake edges, ponds, and even temporary puddles.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive all-black plumage with a bright yellow bill and legs. They are often seen walking or running along the water's edge, frequently flicking their white undertail. Listen for their characteristic 'krrrok' calls.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Active throughout the day, but often more visible in the early morning and late afternoon.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Unlike many secretive crakes, the Black Crake is often quite bold and can be seen foraging in open areas along the edges of water bodies, even in urban environments.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.