The
Ruddy-breasted crake has a small body build and is about 23cm
long. They have pale brown backs, white-barred tails and lower
abdomens, grayish-black beaks, and red heads, necks, eyes, legs,
and feet. Their name, Ruddy-breasted crake, is derived from
the fact that most of their plumage is ruddy red in color.
Behavior:
Ruddy-breasted
crakes are omnivores that feed primarily on tender shoots, berries,
aquatic insects, and mollusks. They are also fond of consuming
large fu shou snails (Pomacea canaliculata), which they eat
by using their beaks to peck through the snail's hard shell
and then extracting the snail's soft inner meat out. Though
usually a shy and solitary bird, Ruddy-breasted crakes can also
be aggressive and territorial and have been known to bite and
chase off others of its kind. When disturbed, they will quickly
hide amongst grassy shrubs and bushes. They are poor swimmers
that occasionally dabble in the water but prefer to wander around
in bushes along swamplands.
Habitat:
Ruddy-breasted
crakes are common residents in Taiwan that are usually seen
alone or scattered about in small groups. Their primary habitat
is in wet areas, including ponds, lakes, swamps, marshlands,
and open water areas, but excluding rivers.
