Water Rail
Least ConcernRallus aquaticus
Visual Identification
Water Rail
Appearance
The Water Rail is a medium-sized wetland bird with a slender body, long reddish bill, and short tail. Its upperparts are chestnut-brown with black streaks, while the face and breast are blue-grey. The flanks display striking black and white barring, contrasting with its brown back.
Their bill is long, straight and red, and their legs are flesh-coloured but can appear brighter red in some subspecies. Their white undertail provides a useful way of identifying the species.
Both sexes look similar, although females are smaller and have shorter bills. Juveniles have a duller plumage and darker bill. During winter, the overall colouration may appear slightly darker, but there are no significant seasonal plumage changes.
Size
Length
23cm to 28cm
Wingspan
38cm to 45cm
Weight
90g to 170g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey Black
Secondary Colour
White Blue
Beak Colour
Red
Leg Colour
Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Water Rails inhabit dense, wet vegetation in freshwater and brackish wetlands, including reed beds, marshes, and the edges of lakes and slow-moving rivers. They are found across much of Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.
In the UK, they are year-round residents, with numbers boosted by winter migrants from northern Europe. Some southern European populations are sedentary, while northern birds migrate south for winter.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Water Rails are omnivorous, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as insects, worms, molluscs, and crustaceans. They also consume small fish, amphibians, plant matter, and sometimes even other birds.
During autumn and winter, they tend to eat more plant matter, including shoots, roots, seeds, berries and fruit.
These birds forage by probing the mud with their long bills or picking prey from vegetation and the water's surface.
Behaviour
Water Rails are secretive birds, often heard more than seen. They move stealthily through dense vegetation, using their laterally compressed bodies to navigate narrow spaces. When threatened, they freeze or quickly dart for cover.
These birds are generally solitary but may form loose flocks during migration.
Vocalisation
The Water Rail's most distinctive vocalisation is a loud, explosive 'sharming' call, often likened to a squealing pig. This 'kik-kik-kik' or 'wheeeeze' sound is typically heard at dawn and dusk. This vocalisation is used as an alarm call, as well as to assert a territorial claim.
During the breeding season, males produce a series of grunts and groans to establish territory and attract mates. A sharp whistle can be heard in flight.
Nesting & Breeding
Water Rails form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, typically from April to July in Europe. Males attract females with loud calls and aggressive displays towards rivals.
Nests are well-concealed platforms made of reeds and other vegetation, usually placed in dense cover just above water level. Females lay 6-11 pale, speckled eggs.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 19-22 days. The chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching but remaining dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Lifespan
The Water Rail typically lives for 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 8.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Water Rail is listed as Least Concern globally, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and reed bed destruction. Climate change and water pollution also pose potential risks.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats across their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive pig-like squealing call, especially at dawn and dusk
- Look for movement in reeds and along the edges of wetlands
- Be patient and quiet; these birds are shy and may take time to emerge
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves like RSPB Minsmere or WWT Slimbridge for better chances of spotting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
European Water Rail, Western Water Rail
Family:
RallidaePredators
Water Rails face predation from various animals, including foxes, otters, large fish, and birds of prey such as marsh harriers and herons.
Did You Know?
- Water Rails can swim and dive to escape danger, despite not having webbed feet.
- They have the ability to compress their bodies laterally to move through dense vegetation.
- In harsh winters, Water Rails have been known to eat small birds and mammals.
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FAQs
Can a Water Rail fly?
Water rails can fly, as well as being able to run quite fast on the shores of lakes and wetlands.
Some water rails migrate over considerable distances to reach warmer wintering grounds when their breeding territories become too cold to survive in.
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Rallus aquaticus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22725141A155533298.
View source - 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source