
Baillon's Crake
Baillon's crake (Zapornia pusilla), also known as the marsh crake, is a small waterbird of the family Rallidae.
Species insights
Most records Jan to Feb
When Baillon's Crake sightings peak, from open records. Outside these months it is seen less often, not never.
Curve from 65 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property and not from this province. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.
Western Cape and beyond
Provinces where Baillon's Crake is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.
65 records, iNaturalist
Parks where hosts record the Baillon's Crake
Stays that give back
Across the Eastern Cape
Baillon's Crake recorded here
Baillon's Crake recorded here
Baillon's Crake recorded here
Baillon's Crake recorded here
Baillon's Crake recorded here
Baillon's Crake recorded here
Baillon's Crake recorded here
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Birder friendly
Forests, lagoons, and Knysna's sheltered bay
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the Baillon's Crake
Hosts have recorded the Baillon's Crake at stays in or beside Addo Elephant National Park, Camdeboo National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park.
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
Ways to look
Drive yourself
Your own vehicle and pace, on the park's roads.
Where hosts record it
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Species
Zapornia pusilla
Records
65
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Baillon's Crake on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the Baillon's Crake in Eastern Cape?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the Baillon's Crake at stays in or beside Addo Elephant National Park, Camdeboo National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the Baillon's Crake in South Africa?
The Baillon's Crake is most recorded in Western Cape (58% of records), KwaZulu-Natal (18% of records), Gauteng (9% of records), based on 65 iNaturalist observations. 7 places to stay on Spekboom in Eastern Cape have recorded the Baillon's Crake on site or nearby.
When is the best time to see the Baillon's Crake?
Sightings of the Baillon's Crake peak from Jan to Feb, based on 65 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the conservation status of the Baillon's Crake?
The Baillon's Crake (Zapornia pusilla) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
What is the Baillon's Crake?
Baillon's crake (Zapornia pusilla), also known as the marsh crake, is a small waterbird of the family Rallidae.

























