Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)

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:

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Pig call:
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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

Facts:
Length (cm):
23-28
Wingspan (cm):
38-45
Weight (gram):
80-180
Size group:
Thrush-size
Similar species (image):
Similar species (sound):
Silhouette Group:
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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See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file