Nest and roost characteristics of the Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca on Minami-daito Island

Abstract

We found five Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca nests in a swamp among emergent vegetation, and one in a dry sugarcane field more than 500 m (radius) from any swamp or pond, on Minami-daito Island. Nests were saucer-shaped. All of the nests in the swamp fledged chicks. It is assumed that nesting in such habitat renders nests safe from ground predators such as introduced weasels and feral cats. Roosts were similar in structure to nests, but lacked lining. It is inferred from one observation that males and females roost together at night before the egg-laying period.