About the Water Rail
The water rail, western water rail or European water rail is a bird of the rail family which breeds in well-vegetated wetlands across Europe, Asia and North Africa. Northern and eastern populations are migratory, but this species is a permanent resident in the warmer parts of its breeding range. The adult is 23–28 cm (9–11 in) long, and, like other rails, has a body that is flattened laterally, allowing it easier passage through the reed beds it inhabits. It has mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey underparts, black barring on the flanks, long toes, a short tail and a long reddish bill. Immature birds are generally similar in appearance to the adults, but the blue-grey in the plumage is…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The adult of the nominate subspecies is a medium-sized rail, 23–28 cm (9.1–11.0 in) long with a 38–45 cm (15–18 in) wingspan. Males typically weigh 114–164 g (4.0–5.8 oz) and females are slightly lighter at 92–107 g (3.2–3.8 oz). The upper parts from the forehead to tail are olive-brown with black streaks, especially on the shoulders. The sides of the head and the underparts down to the upper belly are dark slate-blue, except for a blackish area between bill and eye, and brownish sides to the upper breast. Voice: The water rail is a vocal species which gives its main call, known as "sharming", throughout the year. This is a series of grunts followed by a high-pitched piglet-like squeal and ending in more grunts. It is used as a territorial call, alarm and announcement. Members of a pair may call alternately, the male giving lower and slower notes than his partner.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Water Rail sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR China, Nepal.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Virginia RailRallus limicolaAdults are mainly brown, darker on the back and crown, with orange-brown legs.
Clapper RailRallus crepitansThe clapper rail is a chicken-sized bird that rarely flies.
King RailRallus elegansDistinct features are a long bill with a slight downward curve, with adults being brown on the back and rusty-brown on the face and breast with a dark brown cap.
Side by side: Virginia Rail vs Water Rail · Clapper Rail vs Water Rail
Learn the Water Rail for real
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