A delicate-looking inhabitant of densely vegetated wetlands, where it scrambles over floating plants and between the stems of standing ones.
Not listed
Indigenous: White-Eyebrowed Water Crake
At a glance
FamilyRails, Gallinules, and Coots
SizeMedium
RarityRare
HabitatA delicate-looking inhabitant of densely vegetated wetlands, where it scrambles over floating plants and between the stems of standing ones.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from October to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Peter Boesman
Range map
Range map
114visible hotspots
1291visible records
3states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Brown above and pale gray below, with a small black mask around the eye bound in by two bold white stripes. Prefers to run away instead of fly; flight is weak, with dangling legs.
Behavior
Call is a loud, raspy “kii-kah,” often repeated.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Northern Territory
Western Australia
New South Wales
Commonly confused with
Red-necked CrakeRallina tricolorUsually shy, but patient observation at dusk may reward viewers with a sighting. Adult dark olive-brown with rich chestnut head and chest, greenish-yellow bill, black-and-white banded undertail, and red legs. Juvenile mostly dusky. Gives an accelerating sequence of short repeated squawks and squeaks, as well as slower clicks.→Pale-vented Bush-henAmaurornis moluccanaRarely seen away from cover. Dull gray-blue body, brown wings and tail, with reddish-brown undertail, yellow-green bill with small shield, and long yellow legs.→Buff-banded RailGallirallus philippensisReddish head with strong pale eyebrow. Makes a loud squeaking call. On small islands (e.g. Green Island, Lord Howe Island, Lady Elliot Island) it is extremely tame and abundant.→