Spotted Crake

🔍 Overview

A rare and elusive visitor to Sussex. Sometimes appears in late summer or autumn, favouring shallow reed-fringed pools.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Between a Snipe and a Moorhen (19–22 cm)

Plumage: Brown with white spots, blue-grey face, yellow bill with red base

Other: Short tail, barred flanks

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Occasionally seen at Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, or Arundel WWT, particularly August–October.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Whiplash-like “whick-whick-whick” calls at night. Extremely secretive, often seen briefly at dusk.