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WetlandCup nestMedium · 111 g
What the Water Rail sounds like
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.
When to see the Water Rail
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is April, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Water Rail
The map shades 78 countries with regular records, and 4 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR China, Nepal.
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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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 · King Rail vs Water Rail
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