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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 territorial threat 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 3–11 eggs start hatching after about 14 days, and the black, downy precocial chicks fledge after 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...)

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