Smaller and distinctly slimmer than the moorhen, the water rail is a fairly common but highly secretive inhabitant of freshwater wetlands. It has chestnut-brown and black upperparts, grey face and underparts and black-and-white barred flanks, and a long red bill. Difficult to see in the breeding season, it is relatively easier to find in winter, when it is also more numerous and widespread. Although usually secretive they can become confiding but are still far more often heard than seen.
Key ID Features
Pointed red, slightly down-curved bill with black tip.
Pale to rich brown upper parts with thick, dark streaks.
Pale buff patch under short, cocked tail.
Grey chest and pink legs.
Usually seen fleetingly at the edge of reed beds but it's piglet like squeal is often a clue to it's presence at dawn and dusk.
Overview
Scientific name: Rallus aquaticus
Family: Rails (Rallidae)
Where to see them:
Widely but thinly distributed as breeding birds across the UK, but absent from upland areas. Most abundant in Eastern England and suitable habitat along the south coast.
Seen in UK:
All year round, although numbers are higher in winter when many birds arrive from continental Europe.
What they eat
Omnivorous - mainly small fish, snails and insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Chew Valley Lake, Somerset
Photographer: Tim Tapley
