Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostris)

Distribution right through Africa, south of the Sahara, except for central South Africa and drier Namibia. Found in areas with dense semi-dense plant growth, like the reed bed, we saw this one in, it presents a challenge to see and photograph, even if just for our own records. Their long legs and long toes help them to walk over plant growth more easily and the black crake is easily recognized by their black bodies, red legs and eyes and yellow bill. He will whip his tail upwards while looking for food. In the pictures below, I got a little answer to the question about the slime base he walked on and slipping. Seems even the well practiced have occasional moments, slipping while he picked up old plant material in search of insects or other organisms. Filed under: Birds, environment, Fauna, Holiday spots Tagged: Addo National Park, Africa, Birding, Birds, Black, Crake, Fauna, Nature, photographs