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The
family Rallidae is a large group of small to medium-sized
birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules.
Nearly all members are associated with wetlands. There
are exceptions, however, notably the Corncrake which breeds
on farmland. The most typical family members occupy dense
vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or
rivers. Reedbeds are a particularly favoured habitat.
They are omnivorous, and those that migrate do so at night:
most nest in dense vegetation. In general they are shy
and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species
walk and run vigorously on strong legs, and have long
toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces.
They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers,
although nevertheless capable of covering long distances.
Island species often become flightless, and many of them
are now extinct following the introduction of terrestrial
predators such as cats, rats and pigs. |
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The
family Rallidae is a large group of small to medium-sized
birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules.
Nearly all members are associated with wetlands. There
are exceptions, however, notably the Corncrake which breeds
on farmland. The most typical family members occupy dense
vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or
rivers. Reedbeds are a particularly favoured habitat.
They are omnivorous, and those that migrate do so at night:
most nest in dense vegetation. In general they are shy
and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species
walk and run vigorously on strong legs, and have long
toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces.
They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers,
although nevertheless capable of covering long distances.
Island species often become flightless, and many of them
are now extinct following the introduction of terrestrial
predators such as cats, rats and pigs. |
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