Belongs to: crakes

Water rail Rallus aquaticus

Secretive marsh-dwelling bird, its pig-like squeal often revealing its presence

Habitat: dense reedbeds, swampy ditches and alder thickets

Widespread resident

Grey and brown waterbird with long red bill and pink legs

Usually walks slowly, daintily picking its way through waterside vegetation; flies with legs trailing

Eats vegetation, invertebrates and amphibians

Nest is a cup of reeds hidden above water

2 broods April – June ; 6-10 creamy eggs spotted reddish