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  1. Species
  2. ›
  3. Rallidae
  4. ›
  5. Zapornia
  6. ›
  7. Baillon's Crake
Baillon's Crake
Photo · (c) ian_mcallan, some rights reserved (CC BY)

BirdUp · Species

Baillon's Crake

Zapornia pusilla(Pallas, 1776)

Updated 21 March 2026

Conservation status: Least ConcernOrigin: Native
Order
GRUIFORMES
Family
Rallidae
Genus
Zapornia

At a glance

The Baillon's Crake is a small bird, about 15–18 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Size
15–18 cm
Conservation status
Least Concern
Origin
Native
Best seen
Year-round
Commonness
Very common
  • Identification
  • Where
  • When
  • Behaviour
  • Gallery

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does a Baillon's Crake look like?

The Baillon's Crake is a small bird, about 15–18 cm long and weighing 17–55 g.

Baillon's crake, also known as the marsh crake, is a small waterbird of the family Rallidae.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length
15–18 cm
Weight
17–55 g
Wingspan
27 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

  • When walking, this species frequently flicks its tail upward in a rhythmic motion, highlighting the bold black-and-white patterns on its rear flanks.

flight

  • If flushed, the bird typically flies a very short distance with its long green legs dangling conspicuously before dropping back into cover.

plumage

  • The brown upperparts are marked with fine, white irregular streaks and flecks that resemble small splashes of paint.
  • Look for striking black-and-white barring on the rear flanks and undertail, which contrasts sharply with the adult's solid blue-grey face and breast.

size_and_shape

  • Focus on the short, straight bill that is consistently olive-green or yellowish, lacking any red coloration at the base.

voice

  • Listen for a rapid, dry rattling call, often compared to the mechanical sound of a wooden rattle or a croaking frog.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Baillon's Crake?

The Baillon's Crake is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does a Baillon's Crake eat?

The Baillon's Crake feeds on fish/invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or alone.

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

5 photos

The BirdUp app

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02 · Where

Where to find it

Where does the Baillon's Crake live in Australia?

The Baillon's Crake is native to Australia, recorded across 63 of Australia’s bioregions.

Breeding range
PAL, AF, OR, AU : widespread