The Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Features

They produce a variety of different sounds, the most recognizable squeak resembles that of a pig. They are fearful birds spends most of its time resting in dense vegetation. They are classified as omnivores.

Species	Bird
Living space	Swamp
Size	23 - 26 cm; of which a beak measures 3 - 4.5 cm
Weight	110 g

Description

They have short-tailed trunks with long necks and long, sharp and slightly curved beaks. It is difficult to identify the males from the females based on their feathers and physical characteristics alone. They are darkly colored except for the white feather of their undertail. The upper part of their bodies are olive-brown with black spots speckling their throats and chests; their heads are gray-blue and their hips and chest are black with narrow white stripes. The lower part of their beaks are bright red, dark at the top and at the tip. The chicks are lighter, with their throats and the middle of their chests being white in color, while the rest of their front half is brownish with gentle white stripes. They mainly feed on invertebrates, such as leeches, various worms, snails as well as many different insects and their larvae. They also hunt smaller vertebrates (birds, fish, mammals) or eats them like carrion birds. Vegitation plays a greater role in their diet in autumn and winter. The breeding season starts in early spring. The water rails are monogamous and couples intensively defend their territory during the nesting season.