About the White-breasted Waterhen
The white-breasted waterhen is a waterbird of the rail and crake family, Rallidae, that is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. They are dark slaty birds with a clean white face, breast and belly. They are somewhat bolder than most other rails and are often seen stepping slowly with their tail cocked upright in open marshes or even drains near busy roads. They are largely crepuscular in activity and during the breeding season, just after the first rains, make loud and repetitive croaking calls.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adult white-breasted waterhens have mainly dark grey upperparts and flanks, and a white face, neck and breast. The lower belly and undertail are cinnamon or white coloured. The body is flattened laterally to allow easier passage through the reeds or undergrowth. They have long toes, a short tail and a yellow bill and legs. Sexes are similar but females measure slightly smaller. Immature birds are much duller versions of the adults. The downy chicks are black, as with all rails. Several subspecies are named for the populations that are widely distributed.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the White-breasted Waterhen sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mongolia, South Africa, Russia, Palau.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Plain Bush-henAmaurornis olivaceaThe plain bush-hen, also named Philippine bush-hen or simply bush-hen, is a species of bird in the family Rallidae.
Isabelline Bush-henAmaurornis isabellinaThe isabelline bush-hen, also known as Sulawesi waterhen or isabelline waterhen, is a large, up to 40 cm long, rufous and brown rail.
Talaud Bush-henAmaurornis magnirostrisTalaud bush-hen is a 30.5 cm long, large, very dark and robust bush-hen.
Learn the White-breasted Waterhen for real
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