Watercock

Gallicrex cinerea

Family: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: M:41-43 cm, F:31-36 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs across the Indian subcontinent to southern China, Japan and Southeast Asia; northern populations migrate south to winter in Southeast Asia.

Identification

Non-breeding male and female have buff brown plumage with bold dark streaks on the upperparts, faint narrow barrings on the underparts and yellowish-green bill and legs. Male is significantly larger with a thicker bill than female. Breeding male has overall black plumage, yellow bill with red base and a red frontal shield extending over the head. Juvenile resembles female.

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands, marshy grasslands and well vegetated ponds in parks/gardens.

Behaviour

Usually solitary and skulks in thick cover, occasionally coming out to feed in the open.