Rails, Crakes & Coots (Family Rallidae)

Post by **Peter Connan** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:42 am

Another interesting thing about them is that unlike most other water-birds, they do not have webbed feet, instead they have specially thickened toes:

The males are larger than the females, but there is no difference in colours.

Post by **Lisbeth** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 12:10 pm

Those feet are impressive and not too pretty

Post by **Toko** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 2:30 pm

Breeding
Monogamous, territorial solitary nester, breeding cooperatively in small groups.
Season: All months; two peaks in July-September and January-March. Nest: Large heap of water plants with bowl-shaped hollow on top; in shallow open water or in deeper water anchored to vegetation; usually exposed. The nest is built by both sexes and occasionally juvenile helpers. Clutch: 2-6 eggs (sometimes up to 11). Eggs: Pinkish buff or stone, with small round dots of purplish brown. Incubation: 18-25 days by both sexes. Fledging: About 55-60 days; young cared for by both parents.

Abrahamskraal, West Coast National Park

Post by **Peter Connan** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 6:27 pm

Thanks Toko.

I have been trying to maintain a steady pace, so as to keep this interesting for more than the four days my last "pick of the month" topic lasted, but you all are welcome to contribute with either text or photos.

But while we are on the topic:

Post by **Lisbeth** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 6:32 pm

Is that cute!

Post by **Toko** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:14 pm

This chick is super cute, where did you find it, Peter?

Post by **nan** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:18 pm

West Coast

7.3.2011

Rondevlei Nature Reserve

11.10.2012

Post by **Lisbeth** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:24 pm

Nice ones, Nan $\O$

Post by **nan** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:27 pm

cute little one

Post by **Peter Connan** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:08 pm

Nice additions Nan, thanks.
Thanks for the compliments Nan, Toko and Lisbeth.

The chicks were at Marievale.

Africa Wild

Rails, Crakes & Coots (Family Rallidae)

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015

Re: Red-knobbed Coot - Bird of the month March 2015