A black-and-purple ducklike species, the crake was known as a noisy and obnoxious waterbird. It had wide, splayed feet, allowing it to dash across pondweed and mudflats. Crakes were also excellent swimmers and remarkably swift flyers. They were among the most flexible and adaptable species in all of Middle-earth, ranging as far north as Forodwaith, Myr, and Urd. The crake's closest relative, the coot, built island nests up to three or four feet across from reeds and weeds.