What is the Water Rail?
An uncommon water rail (Rallus aquaticus) bird was recently sighted at TS Chanakya wetlands, off Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
About Water Rail:
- It is a bird of the rail family Rallidae.
- Scientific Name: Rallus aquaticus
- Habitat and Distribution:
- It breeds in well-vegetated wetlands across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- Northern and eastern populations are migratory, but this species is a permanent resident in the warmer parts of its breeding range.
- In the Indian subcontinent, the Water Rail is a summer visitor to Kashmir and winters in eastern Pakistan and the northwestern plains of India. It wanders into western Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
- Features:
- The adult is 23–28 cm long and, like other rails, has a body that is flattened laterally, allowing easier passage through the reed beds it inhabits.
- It has mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey underparts, black barring on the flanks, long toes, a short tail, and a long reddish bill.
- Known for its elusive nature, the water rail often remains motionless when threatened, opting to run for cover rather than fly.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Source: Water rail bird spotted at TS Chanakya wetland in Navi Mumbai