Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Poliolimnas cinereus
Family: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 19–21.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Resident from Southeast Asia to New Guinea and northern Australia; also the Pacific Islands.
Adult has black orbital area bordered above and below by a broad white streak, grey crown and nape, white underparts with grey upper flanks and brown lower flanks, brown back and wings, orange bill, and yellow legs. Juvenile resembles adult but has browner overall plumage, less distinct facial features, dull yellow bill, and dull green legs.
Well-vegetated freshwater wetlands.
Most active in early morning and evening; forages on floating vegetation, mud patches, and margins of water.