A stocky, medium-sized rail with a distinctive pattern: a black-and-brown scalloped back, grey head and breast, barred underparts, a reddish bill, and yellowish legs. It inhabits mainly seasonal wetlands, especially flooded grasslands. It is most often noticed when it bursts from cover, trailing its long legs in flight before quickly dropping back into the vegetation. Its typical calls include a run of dry “krrr” notes and a deeper “du-da” series. Although similar in colour to African Rail, this species has a shorter bill and a spotted, rather than scalloped, back.

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