White breasted Waterhen(Amaurornis phoenicurus) 32cm
The commonest rail on the island,found in marshes,where its harsh kwaar,kwaar...korowak,korowak.. call is frequently heard.Overall blackish upperparts contrast sharply with white face,throat and breast,and chestnut belly an vent.Generally shy and usually in pairs.It occasionally erupts from tangled vegetation to fly short distances,before dropping into cover again.Can be seen in open areas, even in home gardens.Juvenile small and black;older immature nearly as large as adult and mostly blckish with some dusky white on breast.
