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Black Crake vocalizations are described and compared to previous published records, as are observations of dietary items and interactions with other birds in the same habitat. An instance of site fidelity in extreme circumstances is given, together with an appendix of potential Black Crake predators sharing the same environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records from a family of Black Crakes on a small dam include 16 nestings between September 1985 and February 1995, with results from laying to disappearance of fledged young tabulated. Successionally downy hatchling, juvenile, immature, and adult plumages are described with timing. Unexpectedly, there appeared to be two alternate plumages—‘grey' or ‘sooty'—in the third immature stage, with a possibility of the latter having previously been mistaken as a ‘non-breeding' adult dress. Need for further research to confirm is stressed. Moults from ‘breeding' plumage directly into new ‘breeding' plumage were observed, but no moult from a ‘breeding' into a ‘non-breeding' dress was seen. Juveniles and immatures helped care for the young of up to four subsequent clutches, the fluctuating family membership contained between one and seven age classes and a maximum of 12 individuals on two occasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]