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.