Widespread across Africa, Eurasia and Australasia. Tiny crake that breeds in wet sedge marshes and bogs; migrants can be in any marshy habitat. Usually retiring and rarely seen, but can be confiding. Although unmistakeable in parts of its range, it can sometimes co-occur with the similar Little Crake. Best told by its shorter wings, short, greenish bill that lacks red base and barred flanks; juvenile darker and more extensively barred below than juvenile Little Crake.