Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Amaurornis phoenicurus
Family: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots · Status: Very common resident · Size: 28.5–36 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds across the Indian subcontinent and from southern China through Southeast Asia; northern populations are migratory and winter in Southeast Asia.
Adult has white face and underparts contrasting with dark slaty-grey upperparts, yellowish-green bill with red base, yellow legs. Juvenile has browner upperparts, dark spots on ear-coverts, less white over eye, and a duller bill.
Parks, gardens, freshwater wetlands, and mangroves.
Not shy. Sometimes swims.