Water Rail
Latin: Rallus aquaticus (Linné 1758)
Svenska: Vattenrall
Deutsch: Wasserralle
Is it a bird or a pig out in the reeds?
The water rail is an expert at hiding itself in the reeds. If it wasn’t for its remarkable song, you almost wouldn’t know it was there. It’s hard to imagine that a bird can produce such metallic sounds, and pig-like squealing and grunting as well!
The water rail was at one time one of Sweden’s rarest birds, though their population has grown since the 1800’s. If you want to hear a water rail, you should go to Kungsängen or Hjälstaviken in May.
These birds migrate in September or October to Western Europe and the Mediterranean, returning in late March or April.
Photo: Daniel Pettersson ©
Latest sightings of water rails in Uppland
NatureGate on the water rail