©Derek Moore
Water rail
Scientific name: Rallus aquaticus
From grunts and groans, to 'purring' and 'piglet squealing', the water rail is more often heard than it is seen! This shy bird lives in reedbeds and wetlands, hiding among the vegetation.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: 27-29cmWingspan: 42cm
Weight: 110-140g
Average lifespan: est. 5-8 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
A small relative of the moorhen and coot and about the same size as a redshank, the water rail lives in reedbeds and freshwater wetlands where it feeds on invertebrates and small fish. Secretive and rarely seen, Water rails are more often heard calling; making a sound like a piglet squealing, they are unmistakeable. Around 1,100 pairs nest in in the UK.How to identify
The water rail has a grey body, with black and brown streaked upperparts and black and white barring on the flanks. It has a long, red bill and pale pink legs.Distribution
Widespread, but absent from the uplands. Most common in Eastern England and along the south coast.Habitats
Did you know?
Water rails are not often seen in flight as they prefer to migrate under the cover of darkness.Watch
Water Rail (https://vimeo.com/453703079)
Water Rail by Russell Savory
Bertie Gregory/2020VISION