Zapornia fusca is a small bird measuring up to 22 cm. It is commonly known as ruddy-breasted crake and usually a quiet bird. It can be identified by observing its dull reddish chestnut head and underparts along with dark olive-brown upperparts. Its hind flanks and under tail coverts have distinct black and white stripes and has red legs. This bird species can produce a long rattle sound. It can be found in the Indian subcontinent to China and Japan, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. In Malaysia, it is a common resident at low elevations with a variety of freshwater wetland habitats, which encompass the inland freshwater swamps, reedbeds, grasslands and nearby dry scrub. It is a solitary, shy bird and primarily active at twilight.