Ruddy‐breasted Crake (Porzana fusca)

Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca) – A Detailed Overview

The Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca) is a small yet elusive bird species belonging to the rail family, Rallidae. It is known for its secretive behavior and preference for dense wetlands. This bird is widely distributed across Asia, including India, and is also found in the Sundarban ecosystem.

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Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Gruiformes
• Family: Rallidae
• Genus: Porzana
• Species: Porzana fusca

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Morphology & Identification

The Ruddy-breasted Crake is a medium-sized rail with distinct coloration and features:

Size & Dimensions:

• Length: 20–23 cm
• Wingspan: 35–40 cm
• Weight: 50–100 g

Plumage & Coloration:

• The upperparts are dark brown with a slightly olive tinge.
• The underparts, including the breast and belly, are rich rufous-brown (ruddy-breasted), which gives the bird its name.
• It has a short, pointed tail with white undertail coverts.
• The bill is short, slightly curved, and greenish-yellow in color.
• The eyes (iris) are deep red, giving it a striking look.
• The legs and feet are greenish-yellow, adapted for walking in marshy habitats.

Sexual Dimorphism:

• Males and females look similar, but females may have slightly duller coloration.
• Juveniles have paler underparts and less prominent red in the eyes.

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Habitat & Distribution

Preferred Habitat:

The Ruddy-breasted Crake thrives in:

• Marshes, wetlands, reed beds, and paddy fields
• Mangrove forests, swamps, and dense grasslands
• Slow-moving freshwater areas with dense vegetation

Geographical Range:

This species is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including:

• India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia
• It is also found in parts of China and Japan
• Migratory populations are seen in Indonesia and the Philippines

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Behavior & Ecology

Feeding Habits:

The Ruddy-breasted Crake is an omnivore, feeding on:

• Insects (beetles, ants, termites)
• Worms and mollusks
• Small amphibians and crustaceans
• Seeds, aquatic plants, and fallen grains (especially in rice fields)

Breeding & Nesting:

• Breeding occurs between May and August, depending on the region.
• Nests are built in dense reeds or grassy vegetation, near water bodies.
• A typical clutch contains 3–7 eggs, which are pale creamy-white with reddish-brown speckles.
• Both male and female share incubation duties, lasting about 19–22 days.
• The chicks are precocial, meaning they can walk and forage soon after hatching.

Call & Vocalization:

• It produces a series of sharp, high-pitched “kee-kee-kee” calls, often heard at dawn and dusk.
• Calls are used to mark territory and communicate with mates.

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Special Features & Adaptations

1. Secretive Nature:

   • Unlike open-field birds, it prefers to stay hidden in dense vegetation, making it difficult to spot.

2. Camouflaged Plumage:

   • Its reddish-brown underparts and dark upperparts help it blend with marshy surroundings.

3. Strong Legs & Claws:

   • Helps in walking on soft, marshy ground and gripping reeds.

4. Short, Rounded Wings:

   • While not a strong flier, it can make short bursts of flight when disturbed.

5. Migratory & Resident Populations:

   • Some populations stay in tropical regions year-round, while others migrate during winter.

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Presence in Sundarban

Sundarban Habitat Suitability:

The Sundarban, the world’s largest mangrove forest, offers a perfect environment for the Ruddy-breasted Crake. This bird prefers:

• Brackish and freshwater wetlands found in the region
• Dense mangrove undergrowth and swampy terrain
• Shallow pools and creeks rich in insects and crustaceans

Sightings & Records in Sundarban:

• Although not as commonly observed as some other water birds, occasional sightings have been reported in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve and surrounding wetlands.
• Birdwatchers and researchers spot this species near waterlogged areas, especially in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

Threats & Conservation in Sundarban:

1. Habitat Destruction:

   • Mangrove deforestation and land conversion pose major threats.

2. Climate Change & Sea-Level Rise:

   • Increased salinity and habitat loss due to rising sea levels could impact crake populations.

3. Poaching & Predation:

   • Though not a primary target, snakes, large birds, and small mammals prey on the crake.

4. Conservation Efforts:

   • The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve and other protected wetland areas provide a safe habitat.
   • Awareness programs and wetland conservation projects help sustain populations.

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Conservation Status & Importance

• IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
• Population Trend: Stable, but habitat loss poses a future risk
• Importance in Ecosystem:
  • Helps in pest control by consuming insects
  • Plays a role in seed dispersal in wetlands

What Can Be Done?

• Strengthen wetland conservation in Sundarban.
• Monitor population trends through birdwatching surveys.
• Reduce deforestation and promote sustainable tourism.

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Conclusion

The Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca) is a fascinating, yet often overlooked bird species that thrives in wetland ecosystems, including the Sundarban. Its secretive nature, unique adaptations, and important role in the ecosystem make it a species worth protecting. While its global population is stable, conservation efforts in the Sundarban and other wetland areas will ensure that this elusive bird continues to thrive in its natural habitat.

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For comprehensive details, refer to Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruddy-breasted_crake