White-breasted Waterhen
About the White-breasted Waterhen in Singapore
Last updated 29 May 2026
.jpg)
The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a very common resident bird found anywhere there is fresh water in Singapore, from pristine marshlands to urban drains.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the White-breasted Waterhen!
.jpg)
You can easily recognize the adult White-breasted Waterhen by the stark contrast between its dark slaty-grey back and brilliant white face, neck, and chest. It has long, spindly, yellowish-green legs, and if you look closely, a distinct rusty-red patch of feathers right underneath its tail. Keep an eye out for the young, which look completely different. The chicks are entirely black and fluffy, while the older juveniles are a plain, dull brownish-grey!
Interested to learn more about how to identify Garden Birds? Check out our simple guide on identifying Garden Birds!
Habitat and ecology
They are highly adaptable omnivores. While they are competent swimmers, they prefer to walk, using their long toes to balance on floating vegetation or carefully picking their way through muddy reeds in search of insects, small fish, and plant shoots.
Did you know?
They are highly animated birds! As they walk around foraging, they constantly, rhythmically flick their short stubby tail up and down, repeatedly flashing that rusty-red patch underneath as a visual signal to communicate with their mates and chicks, or to warn lurking predators that they have been spotted and are on high alert!
Join us at Garden Bird Watch!
Enjoy birdwatching, or interested to learn more about the ones you see in our parks and gardens? Join us for the Garden Bird Watch to collect valuable data about garden birds, which contributes to their conservation.
Learn more about the White-breasted Waterhen!
Curious about the White-breasted Waterhen? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
