Poliolimnas cinereus
The White-browed Crake (Poliolimnas cinereus) is a diminutive and secretive member of the rail family (Rallidae), characterized by its striking white supercilium, which contrasts sharply with its otherwise grey head and olive-brown upperparts. This small wetland bird typically measures around 15-19 cm in length and weighs a mere 40-60 grams, making it one of the more slender crakes in its range. Its distinctive features include bright yellow legs, a yellowish-green bill, and an often prominen...
The White-browed Crake primarily inhabits a variety of freshwater and brackish wetlands, including marshes, swamps, rice paddies, overgrown ditches, and pond edges, typically at low elevations from sea level up to around 1,000 meters.
This crake feeds predominantly on small invertebrates, such as insects (beetles, grasshoppers, aquatic insects), spiders, and mollusks, supplemented by small seeds of aquatic plants. It forages by walking stealthily, gleaning and probing for prey in mud and vegetation.
White-browed Crakes are largely crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk, though they can be observed foraging throughout the day, especially in quiet areas. They are highly secretive, preferring to stay hidden amongst dense aquatic vegetation, and typically roost within this cover. Fo...
The White-browed Crake boasts an expansive yet fragmented distribution across the Indo-Pacific realm, spanning from Southeast Asia through parts of Australia and numerous Pacific islands. Its breeding range encompasses countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Papua New Guin...
Least Concern
- The White-browed Crake is often referred to as the 'Little Crake' in parts of its range, emphasizing its diminutive size. - Despite its widespread distribution across the Indo-Pacific, its secretive nature means it is often overlooked, earning it the nickname 'ghost of the marshes. - Unlike man...