White-breasted Waterhen look-alikes
Amaurornis phoenicurus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the White-breasted Waterhen. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Watercock
Gallicrex cinerea
Key differences
The Watercock (especially the male in breeding plumage) is much larger and blacker with a red frontal shield and a fleshy red horn on the head. Females and non-breeding males are browner and streaked, lack the prominent white face/breast, and the rufous undertail is less striking than in the White-breasted Waterhen.
Brown Crake
Amaurornis akool
Key differences
The Brown Crake is entirely dark brown above and grey below, lacking any white on the face or breast, and does not have the rufous undertail. It is also found in similar dense wetland habitats.
Ruddy-breasted Crake
Zapornia fusca
Key differences
Smaller than the White-breasted Waterhen. Has rufous underparts but lacks the prominent white face and breast. Its upperparts are olive-brown. The undertail coverts are barred black and white, not solid rufous.
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