Water Rail
Rallus aquaticus
The Water Rail is a secretive and rare breeding bird in Britain, typically seen in well-vegetated wetlands, particularly in the southern and eastern regions, with sightings more common during the spring and autumn migrations. It is a skulking species, often heard rather than seen, and its presence is usually indicated by its distinctive call.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Water Rail in the field.
The Water Rail can be identified by its laterally flattened body, long reddish bill, and blue-grey underparts with black barring on the flanks, which distinguish it from other rail species. Its long toes and short tail are also notable features.
The Water Rail is slightly smaller than a Moorhen, measuring between 23-28 cm in length, and is larger than a Blue Tit.
The male Water Rail has mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey underparts, with black barring on the flanks and a long reddish bill, with little seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Water Rail is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage, although juveniles have a buff-coloured replacement for the blue-grey underparts.
The Water Rail's call is a loud, pig-like squeal, often heard at dawn and dusk, and is a distinctive and unmistakable sound that is commonly used to locate the species.
The Water Rail is a secretive and skulking species, feeding on small invertebrates, seeds, and fruits in dense wetland vegetation, and has a distinctive, stumbling flight style when flushed, often flying only short distances before dropping back into cover.
The Water Rail can be confused with the Moorhen, but can be distinguished by its laterally flattened body, longer bill, and lack of white undertail coverts, as well as its distinctive call, which is unlike the Moorhen's louder and more shrill alarm call.
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