Species:

Smew (Mergellus albellus)

Corn Crake (Crex crex)

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Length (cm):
38-44
27-30
Wingspan (cm):
55-69
46-53
Weight (gram):
500-800
120-200
Size group:
Crow-size
Thrush-size
Main Texts:
Appearance:

A small and compact duck, more resembling a Goldeneye than other sawbils. Small bill and steep forehead. Male almost completely white, with black mask and fine black markings. In flight the dark wings gives it a more black and white appearance. Female or immature may be mistaken for other small ducks, but combination of brown upper head and white lower head is unique among WP-ducks. Body brownish grey. White patch on wing coverts prominent in flight in both sexes. Groups fly in loose lines, not bunches.

Sound:

Mostly quiet except when displaying, and even then difficult to hear. Male: an ascending, froglike, rattling pulse of clicks. Also various grunting sounds. Alarm call a harsh "Kraaa".

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

Appearance:

About half the size of Partridge with brownish plumage, bluish grey supercilium and breast sides. Flanks barred in white, back heavily streaked. Rufous wings obvious in flight. Seldom seen due to secretive behaviour, but song very noticeable.

Sound:

Characteristic song can be heard at night. A rasping, hoarse "crex-crex" repeated about every second for long periods of time.

Song:

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See sound file


Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

CC-photo:aigledayres, Licence,Link.

Sounds:Recorded by Edmunds Racinskis

Similar species (image):
Similar species (sound):
Silhouette Group:
Duck-like
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Rails
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Several different images of the species
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Several different sounds of the species
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See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file