Water rail

The water rail (rallus aquaticus) is similar in appearance to the moorhen but is smaller and slimmer. It can also be distinguished by its long red bill. It is more active at dawn and dusk than in the middle of the day, and it tends to be secretive. It is more likely to be heard than seen.

The water rail is native to Europe, where it is found in all regions except for the far north. Those in western and southern Europe are resident but others migrate in the autumn to the Mediterranean region. In the UK it is found in freshwater wetlands (marshes and reedbeds) across the country, except for upland areas, with a greater concentration in eastern England.


Appearance

The water rail measures some 27-29 centimetres (11 inches) in length. The upperparts are streaky brown and the face and breast dark blue-grey. The flanks are barred in black and white. Males and females have similar plumage. The longish legs, which are seen dangling in flight, are pinky-brown or even yellowish or greenish. The slim shape helps the water rail to move between closely-growing reeds.


Behaviour

The water rail has a short, fluttery flight on short, rounded wings. It swims in a similar jerky style to a moorhen, but only for short distances. However, it will sometimes dive for food from the surface. It is on the move mostly at twilight and during the night, walking through the reeds with the neck stretched forwards, jerking as it goes.

The word “sharming” has been coined to describe the water rail’s call, which is a mixture of low-pitched grunts and high-pitched squeals that are particularly noticeable and carrying during the breeding season. As this is also the time when reed density is at its greatest, and given the water rail’s nocturnal habits, the reason for the “more heard than seen” tag is not difficult to guess.

Water rails feed on insects, larvae, snails, small fish, spiders and plants, including seeds in the autumn.


Breeding

Water rails arrive at their breeding grounds in March or April, after which both partners build a nest from plant stems and dry vegetation, well concealed within a thick clump of grass or reeds. A clutch of anything from six to twelve eggs (sometimes more) will be laid in April or May, with both partners sharing the incubation duties for up to 21 days before the eggs hatch.

The chicks are very active from the moment of hatching, scattering among the reeds as soon as they are dry. They make soft “peeps” to attract their parents’ attention when they want food, which they take directly from the adult birds’ beaks. This habit of distributing themselves and attracting attention makes the chicks vulnerable to predators, such as stoats and mink, so the large clutch size makes sense in terms of the water rail’s survival.

It is usual for water rails to raise a second brood in June or July, although a new nest will be constructed for this purpose.

© John Welford