5810. white-breasted waterhen

 

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) 

This species is a very common resident in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and India. 

• Appearance: Adults have a striking white face, neck, and breast that contrasts with dark slaty-grey upperparts. They feature a distinctive yellowish-green bill with a red base and a chestnut-coloured patch under the tail.
• Behaviour: Unlike many secretive rails, they are quite bold and frequently forage in the open, even in urban drains and parks. They are known for a loud, raspy "ruak-ruak" call, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Diet: They are omnivorous, eating insects, small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and seeds. 
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• 14 Apr 2026: 3.54pm. A white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) forages for seeds, insects and seeds at the Botanic Garden, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. 
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• Canon R5, 300mm, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 12800.