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The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a waterbird in the rail and
crake family Rallidae.
Their breeding habitat is marshes across south Asia from India and Sri Lanka
to south China and Indonesia. They nest
in a dry location on the ground in marsh vegetation, laying 6-7 eggs. These large 32cm long rails are permanent residents
throughout their range.
Adult White-breasted Waterhens have mainly dark grey upperparts and flanks, and a white face, neck and breast. The belly and
undertail are cinnamon coloured. The body is flattened laterally to allow easier passage through the reeds or undergrowth. They
have long toes, a short tail and a yellow bill and legs.
Sexes are similar, but immature birds are much duller versions of the adults. The downy chicks are black, as with all rails.
These birds probe with their bill in mud or shallow water, also picking up food by sight. They mainly eat insects, small fish
and seeds. They forage on the ground or in low bushes and small trees.
Many rails are very secretive, but White-breasted Waterhens are often seen out in the open. They are noisy birds, especially at dawn and dusk, with a loud ruak ruak call.
Reference
- Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
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