Australian Crake

1. Olive-green bill with a distinctive orange-red patch at the base

2. White-spotted upper parts contrasting with grey chest and face

3. Quick, sharp "chip-chip" call that may extend into a rapid series

Australian Spotted Crakes breed between August and January, building nests in dense wetland vegetation. Their nests range from simple platforms to elaborate woven cups, sometimes complete with overhead domes for protection. Both parents share incubation duties and chick-rearing responsibilities. After heavy rains, these birds can appear suddenly in large numbers, suggesting they're quick to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Look for Australian Spotted Crakes along the vegetated margins of wetlands throughout southern Australia, particularly in the southeast and southwest. They're most active during early morning and late afternoon, foraging openly on mudflats or among reeds and rushes. These birds typically stay low to the ground, rarely flying unless startled. After heavy rains, their numbers can increase dramatically at temporary wetlands. Listen carefully for their sharp callsthis often reveals their presence before you spot them.