Wildlifeof Bhutan
White-breasted Waterhen
Cranes, Rails & Bustards
Photo: Vihansith Kulatunga · CC BY-SA 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Amaurornis phoenicurus
Basic stats
Habitat
Mainly plains, known from the higher hills; nests on dry ground in marsh vegetation
Clutch size
6–7 eggs
Incubation period
About 19 days
Size
32cm
The white-breasted waterhen is a large rail 32cm long and a permanent resident throughout its range. It is mainly seen in the plains but has been known from the higher hills, for example 1,300m at Nainital and 1,500m in the High Range of Kerala (Wikipedia, general species account).
It nests in a dry spot on the ground in marsh vegetation, laying six or seven eggs that hatch in about 19 days. Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. The sources opened give no plumage description and nothing specific to Bhutan.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the White-breasted Waterhen live in?
- Mainly plains, known from the higher hills; nests on dry ground in marsh vegetation
- How many eggs does the White-breasted Waterhen lay?
- 6–7 eggs
- How long are the eggs of the White-breasted Waterhen incubated?
- About 19 days
- How big is the White-breasted Waterhen?
- 32cm