Species:

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)

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Length (cm):
63-73
23-28
Wingspan (cm):
134-154
38-45
Weight (gram):
1500-2250
80-180
Size group:
Bigger than a crow
Thrush-size
Main Texts:
Appearance:

May be confused with Ruddy Shelduck, but differs in long, pinkish legs, pink bill, long neck, greyish underparts and striking, brown mask. Conspicuous black and white wing pattern similar to Ruddy Shelduck, but crossed with a thin, black stripe. Sexes similar. Immature duller and without facial mask, and thus closer to RS in appearance. Spends much time foraging while walking, but may also dive. Flight heavy and goose-like.

Sound:

Quite vocal when interacting. Female calls may resemble RS, but are coarser, harder and trills are more rolling. Single calls are longer, and falls markedly in pitch. Male calls quite different, with husky, wheezing or hissing "kaahhh", or with the same timbre in series lika a steam engine.

Male:

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See sound file


Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

CC-photo:berniedup, Licence,Link.

CC-sound:Lars Lachmann, Licence,Link.

CC-photo:Björn S..., Licence,Link.

Appearance:

Fairly large rail with secretive behaviour. Distinguished by long red bill, brownish upperparts, slate grey underparts, and coarsely barred flanks. White and unmarked vent often visible due to frequently used posture with flirted tail. Long legs and toes visible in flight.

Sound:

Varied but distinct. Most heard is the territorial song consisting of short, nasal, sharp grunts "tuck- tuck-tuck", ending with a drawn-out trill rising and falling in pitch "kiiiieeerrrr". Another diagnostic call is heard from excited birds; a longer pig-like shrilling squeal, with waning repetitions. A bit like someone squeezing a rubber toy. Also short and sharp calls "kvii".

Song:

Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file


Pig call:
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file


Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

Sounds:Recorded by Edmunds Racinskis

Similar species (image):
Similar species (sound):
Silhouette Group:
Duck-like
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Rails
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Several different images of the species
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Several different sounds of the species
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Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file