A Field Study of the Spotted Crake Porzana Porzana at Ndola, Zambia

Abstract

From 1974 to 1980 field observations were made of Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana at Itawa Swamps and Kanini Sewage Works, Ndola, Zambia. Field identification characters, behaviour, food and feeding methods, activity times, interspecific interactions, aggression and voice are described. Habitat at Ndola is seasonal and temporary: Shallowly flooded or moist grass and other vegetation with patches of open water and mud, near swamps and at sewage settling ponds. Wintering crakes were itinerant from December to April with a February-March peak and remained at one site for up to 25 days, occupying temporary territories 210-315 m2 in extent. Arrivals were associated with heavy rainfall and most departures with major habitat changes. Local movements took place. Behaviour is similar to diat in the Palaearctic. Comparisons are made with the habitat, movements, dispersion and behaviour of other rallid species at Ndola. The Spotted Crake is ecologically separated from other wetland rallid species in habitats in Zambia and Kenya by its preference for very temporary habitats and also by differences in food and feeding methods. All Zambian records of this species up to the end of 1984 are reviewed. © 1987, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.