Water Rail

Rallus aquaticus

A shy and elusive species which arrived during the 1990s when reedbeds started growing on the east basin (now Woodberry Wetlands) after the reservoirs were made a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation in 1986.

They are annual winter residents in low numbers, first recorded here on the 19th of December 1998. During winter one or two can be seen or heard along the north bank.

At home in reedbeds, they are more often heard than seen. They emit a wide range of squeals, grunts and groans known as 'sharming', from 'squealing piglets' to the 'purring of contented squirrels'.

Number in Britain: 1100 Territories (Summer)

Status:

in London: common, but elusive, winter visitor; scarce breeder.

in UK: resident breeder, passage/winter visitor

Habitat: Swamps & marsh

Diet: Omnivorous, but animal matter predominates, mostly in shallow water.

Data from the London Natural History Society (LNHS) and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

• Systematic list (BTO/BOU) of the Birds of Stoke Newington Reservoirs / Woodberry Wetlands