Hello, everyone! Have you ever heard a sound like “Kyok, kyok, kyok…” while walking near the rice fields on a summer night? It might sound like someone knocking on a door, but in reality, it’s the call of a small bird called the Ruddy Crake.
The Ruddy Crake is a small waterbird, measuring about 19 to 23 cm in length and weighing only around 100 grams! Both males and females have the same coloration, with bodies covered in brown to reddish-brown feathers, red eyes, and orange legs. Quite adorable, isn’t it? They arrive in Japan during the summer and primarily inhabit wetlands, rice fields, and areas near rivers.
Ruddy Crakes are very cautious birds, so they often hide in grass or wetlands during the day, making it difficult to spot them. While they can fly, they seem to prefer walking around in the grass. They are omnivorous, eating a variety of things like insects, frogs, and seeds, and play an important role in the ecosystem as creatures of the waterside.
So, if you hear that “Kyok, kyok” sound on a summer night, there might be a Ruddy Crake nearby. It might be a good idea to quietly listen and sense their presence. Until next time!
