White-breasted Waterhen

A white and black bird with white face, breast and abdomen. Its upper head and body parts are dark-black. 

It has a small stubby tail - the portions beneath its tail conspicuously rust-colored - and long, slender yellow legs. The tail is carried erect and upturned, as it moves through tall grass and reeds. 

It is easily alarmed and quickly scoots into the undergrowth if it detects any threat.

Occasionally, it may be observed on tree branches surrounding water bodies.

Very noisy during the monsoon, between June and September. 

It can be recognized from its guttural squawks and loud, monotonous kuak, kuak, kuak…., especially when alarmed. 

Name	White-breasted Waterhen
Alternate name(s)	Jal murgi (Hindi)
Size	Common crow
Occurrence	Near wetlands grasslands and marshy areas
Status	Common
Distinct features	Overall white and black, conspicuously white breasted, with a small, stubby tail and with long yellow legs.
Male/Female	Alike