White-breasted Waterhen

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The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a waterbird of the Rail and Crake family (Rallidae) and widely distributed across South Asia. During a previous season a couple of White-breasted Waterhens would daily visit my garden, which was my introduction to this bird, however since that time I haven’t personally spotted the White-breasted Waterhen in the Arunachala area.

Adult Waterhen [Photo: J.M. Garg]

This bird is a slaty grey stub-tailed long-legged marsh bird with white face and breast and bright rusty red under the tail. Immature birds are much duller versions of the adults. The adults are similar in size with the female being slightly smaller. The downy chicks are black, as with all Rails.

These birds are usually seen singly or in pairs as they forage slowly along the edge of a waterbody mainly on the ground but sometimes clambering up low vegetation. The tail is held up and jerked as they walk. They probe with their bill in mud or shallow water, also picking up food by sight. They mainly eat insects, small fish, invertebrates and seeds.

White-breasted Waterhen in flight

Although ordinarily a silent bird its very noisy during breeding season during the rains, when it makes loud, repetitive croaking calls. At that time it is heard chiefly on overcast days and often through the night.

The nesting season is mainly June to October but varies locally. They nest in a dry location on the ground in marsh vegetation, laying 6-7 eggs. Courtship involves bowing, billing and nibbling. The eggs hatch in about 19 days. Both sexes incubate the eggs and take care of the chicks. Chicks often dive underwater to escape predation. Adults are said to build a roost or brood nest where young chicks and the adults roost.

Mother White-breasted Waterhen with Chicks

Waterhen Chick

Juvenile Waterhen