Birds of Ireland: Water Rail

A water rail's voice is the easiest way to identify this secretive bird — it's a loud grunting/squealing pig-like call from a reed bed or other waterside vegetation, mainly at dawn/dusk and at night

A water rail. Picture: Richard Mills

Water Rail (Ralóg uisce | Traonach uisce | Rallus actuaticus)

A water rail is about 22-26 cm long with a wing span of 38-45pm. They are a common breeding species found here all year around — typically on wetlands.