Watercock

1. Bird Name
The bird in focus is the Watercock. Its scientific name is Gallicrex cinerea.

2. Appearance
A distinctive bird species, the Watercock showcases a fascinating mix of dull and vibrant colors. The male Watercock displays a predominantly black body with a distinctive white spot at the wing’s base. His tail feathers are a contrasting white. The male’s beak and legs are yellow, paired up with a red frontal shield, giving it a distinctive appearance.

On the other hand, the female and the young Watercocks are blessed with down-to-earth shades of brown. The females are a plain brown, mottled with numerous thin vertical and blurred lines of darker coloration. The young ones consist of dark brown upperparts with white and buff margins. The Watercock’s eye color is a striking shade of red, easily identifiable amidst its vibrant color-play.

3. Size
The Watercock is a medium-sized bird, averaging at about 43 cm or roughly 17 inches in length. The weight of the Watercock ranges from 300g to 900g, and it has a wingspan that extends around 55-65 cm.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Watercock is primarily distributed throughout South and SouthEast Asia, extending to the eastern regions of India, the Philippines, and Indonesia. It dwells predominantly in swamps and marshes, demonstrating a proclivity towards wet lowland grasslands. This bird species favors open, water-rich environments, often sheltering amidst tall grasses and reeds.

5. Interesting Facts
One interesting fact about this secretive waterbird revolves around its flying habits. The Watercock doesn’t fly unless disturbed, often running amidst the grass to avoid detection. During the breeding season, male Watercocks extend their conspicuous flights higher into the sky, attempting to attract females with loud whistling noises. Additionally, these birds are known for their nocturnal habits, often feeding and vocalizing after sundown.

6. Diet
The diet of a Watercock primarily consists of invertebrates and plant matter. This includes amphibians, insects, mollusks but also seeds, grass, and water plants.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Watercock is known for its unusual territorial behavior. Males become fiercely defensive during the breeding period, projecting loud calls. The call of a Watercock is distinctive, resembling the sound of a pig’s grunt, a short “woop” and liquid bubbling notes.

8. Conservation Status
As per the IUCN Red List, the Watercock is categorized as a species of “Least Concern.” This classification suggests that, currently, it does not face immediate threats of large-scale population decline or habitat loss.

9. Lifespan
On average, a Watercock can live up to 7-10 years in the wild. Lifespan in captivity varies but usually extends beyond the average wild expectancy.

10. Additional Notes
Locally in India, the Watercock is often referred to as “Dabka”. They often get hunted for food in parts of their range. Despite their preference for solitariness, they play essential roles in ecosystems, contributing to keeping insect populations in check and aiding seed dispersal due to their mixed dietary habits.

The Watercock, though seemingly reserved, indeed is a bird of eccentricity and significance. Whether it be their striking appearance, fascinating behavioral patterns, or integral roles in ecosystems, the Watercock proves to be a bird species worth celebrating and conserving.