rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. in general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. they tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. there are 143 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in azerbaijan.