White‐breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) – A Detailed Study
The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a fascinating and widely distributed bird species belonging to the rail and crake family, Rallidae. It is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and mangrove regions across South and Southeast Asia, including the Sundarban mangrove ecosystem. This bird is known for its distinctive appearance, loud calls, and adaptability to various aquatic habitats.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Genus:Amaurornis
Species:Amaurornis phoenicurus
Morphology & Physical Description
The White-breasted Waterhen is a medium-sized bird with striking plumage and a characteristic gait.
Size: About 26-32 cm in length
Wingspan: Approximately 50-55 cm
Weight: Ranges from 180 to 260 grams
Plumage:
White face, throat, and underparts
Dark gray to black upperparts, including the back and wings
Beak: Yellowish-green, slightly curved
Legs & Feet: Long, yellowish legs adapted for wading
Tail: Short and often held upright, displaying rufous under-tail coverts
Habitat & Distribution
The White-breasted Waterhen is highly adaptable and thrives in various wetland environments:
Primary Habitat: Marshes, swamps, rice fields, and reed beds
Secondary Habitat: Mangroves, forest edges, and even urban wetlands
Geographical Range:
Found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
In India, it is commonly seen in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Sundarban mangroves
Behavior & Ecology
Feeding Habits:
Omnivorous, feeding on insects, small fish, mollusks, amphibians, seeds, and aquatic plants
Forages in shallow water and mud, using its long legs for movement
Activity Pattern:
Mostly crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk) but can also be seen foraging during the day
Nesting & Reproduction:
Builds cup-shaped nests using reeds and grasses, usually near water
Lays 4-6 eggs, incubated by both parents
Chicks are precocial (able to move soon after hatching) and are covered in black down
Call & Vocalization:
Loud, repetitive, and croaking calls
Commonly heard calls: “Krrraak-krrraak-krrraak”
Special Features & Adaptations
Long Toes: Helps in walking on floating vegetation
Secretive Nature: Often hides in dense reeds, making it hard to spot
Excellent Swimmer: Despite preferring to wade, it can swim efficiently when necessary
Strong Flight Ability: Though it prefers running and wading, it can fly swiftly when disturbed
Presence of White-breasted Waterhen in Sundarban
The Sundarban, being the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world, provides an ideal habitat for the White-breasted Waterhen. It is commonly found in:
Tidal creeks and estuarine wetlands
Mudflats and salt marshes
Mangrove-fringed ponds and water bodies
Role in the Sundarban Ecosystem:
Indicator of Wetland Health – The presence of this bird signifies a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Pest Controller – By feeding on insects and small aquatic creatures, it helps maintain the ecological balance.
Prey for Predators – It forms a part of the food chain, being prey to raptors, snakes, and wild cats like the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).
Conservation Status & Threats
IUCN Status:Least Concern (LC) – Population is stable, though localized threats exist.
Threats:
Habitat Destruction due to wetland drainage and land conversion
Pollution & Plastic Waste in wetland areas
Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels in the Sundarban
Poaching & Egg Collection in some rural areas
Conservation Measures:
Protection of mangroves and wetlands
Sustainable tourism and eco-friendly policies in the Sundarban
Community awareness programs for wetland conservation
Conclusion
The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is an integral species of wetland and mangrove ecosystems, including the Sundarban. Its adaptability and striking features make it a significant part of India’s rich avifauna. Protecting this species and its habitat will ensure the health of our wetlands and biodiversity.
