*", 1 ^ 
Genus — C REX. 
Crex Bechstein, Orn. Taschenb., II., p. 336 (1803) . . . . C, crex. 
Octygometra Forster, Syn. Cat. Brit. Birds, p. 27 (1817) . . . . C. crex. 
Octogometra id., ib., p. 27 (1817). 
Ortygometra id., ib., p. 59 (1817). 
Sole species similar to members of the genus Porzana, but larger and of stouter 
build, with a short, stout bill and short toes ; the bill at the base is more than 
half its length, and the culmen tapers to a point as it enters the forehead. 
The culmen is shorter than the middle toe, which is shorter than the tarsus, 
while the base of the gonys forms a decided angle. Other characters as in 
Porzana. 
Distribution. Australia and New Zealand (accidental) ; Europe and Northern 
Asia to West Siberia, wintering in Africa, Arabia, and India ; casual in 
eastern North America. 
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