Water Rail
Scientific Name: Rallus aquaticusMaltese Name: Gallozz tax-Xitwa
Family: Rails, Crakes and Coots (Rallidae)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: Not Confirmed Yet
Overview:
This is the most regular rail and crake species to be seen in Malta. It is a rather shy bird but sometimes with patience one can get good views of the bird especially in winter. The Water Rail is always seen close to cover where it can hide if it feels threatened, most of the times seen at the edge of a reed bed or bushes. It is small, with along reddish beak, long toes,and a blue/grey chest with some trails under its tail. It has pale upperparts with streaks. Males are often bigger than females. Water rails eat insects, molluscs and other small animals. Also eats berries and even small birds when food is scarce. It has a loud ‘’kipkip’’ squealing and grunting call which often betrays its presence. It’s nest is made of leaves and grass in vegetation near or above the water. Water Rails live up to 6 years.
Status:
It is a regular bird seen on migration mainly in Autumn and a few in Spring. Many of them spend the winter at the Nature Reserves and in other not disturbed areas. It is not confirmed if it breeds in Malta. In 2008 2 pairs were present at Simar Nature Reserve throughout the Summer. The birds were seen carrying out breeding displays and breeding behavior however no nests or young were seen. In September 2009 a pair was seen mating at Simar Nature Reserve.
When to See:
In Autumn migrants start to arrive and spend the Winter here. Some are also seen in early Spring.
Where to See:
Simar and Ghadira Nature Reserves are the best sites to see this shy bird. Other sites include undisturbed valleys with water and good cover present.
Photographs:
 |
Water Rail, Simar Nature Reserve |
 |
 |
| Water Rail, Simar Nature Reserve | Water Rail, Simar Nature Reserve |
 |
Water Rail, Simar Nature Reserve |
Back to Bird Species List