The watercock is a waterbird in the rail and crake family, Rallidae that is widely distributed across Southeast Asia. It is the only member of the genus Gallicrex.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
It occurs from the Indian subcontinent through Myanmar and Thailand to southern China, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, the Philippines, and parts of Indonesia. The species favors lowland marshes, rice paddies, wet grasslands, and the vegetated edges of lakes and ponds. It uses dense emergent vegetation such as reeds and sedges for cover and nesting. Nests are typically placed on low platforms or floating vegetation. It avoids fast-flowing rivers and prefers still or slow, shallow waters.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The watercock is the only member of the genus Gallicrex and is a distinctive rail of wet paddies and marshes. Breeding males develop a striking red frontal shield with a horn-like projection and become much darker than females. Despite living in open wetlands, it is often secretive, slipping through dense vegetation. Its loud, crowing calls carry far at dawn and dusk.
An immature
Watercock in flight, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with legs trailing
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, becoming territorial in the breeding season. Nests are shallow platforms hidden in dense marsh vegetation or on floating mats. Clutches typically contain several eggs, and both adults participate in incubation and chick care. Outside breeding, it may gather loosely where food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives a loud, crowing series of notes that carry over wetlands, especially at dawn and dusk. Additional calls include harsh squawks, grunts, and cackles used in contact and alarm.
