Crakes

A black-and-purple ducklike species, the crake is known as a noisy and obnoxious waterbird. It has wide, splayed feet, allowing it to dash across pondweed and mudflats. Crakes are also excellent swimmers and remarkably swift flyers. They are 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, builds island nests up to three or four feet across from reeds and weeds.