White-breasted Waterhen

Overview

The white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a large rail species widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. They are somewhat bolder than most other rails and are often seen in open marshes or drains.

Identification

• Large, 32 cm long bird with dark grey upperparts and flanks.
• Clean white face, neck, and breast.
• Yellow bill and legs with long toes.
• Short tail often held upright and jerked while walking.
• Loud, repetitive, croaking calls.

Habitat

Breeding habitat consists of marshes across tropical Asia from Pakistan east to Indonesia. They are permanent residents throughout their range and are found in plains, higher hills, and even near brackish water or the seashore.

Diet

Forage slowly along the edge of waterbodies, probing with the bill in mud or shallow water. Diet consists mainly of insects, small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and grains or seeds.

Did you know?

Chicks often dive underwater to escape predation.