Water Rail Vs Moorhen: Key Differences Explained

Moorhens and Water Rails are both members of the Rallidae family of birds. Both of these species can be found resident in the UK all year round. But it is quite easy to distinguish one from the other due to their distinct differences in a number of key areas.

In this article I take a close look at both of these fascinating birds and highlight their main differences. Keep reading to find out more.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Moorhens are around 50% larger than Water Rails
Water Rails are slimmer, more sleaker birds compared to Moorhens
Water Rails are far more elusive and therefore much harder to spot than Moorhens
Moorhens have dark brown backs while Water Rails have chestnut backs streaked with black
Moorhens tend to fly when threatened whereas Water Rails prefer to swim or run instead of taking flight
Water Rails prefer more heavily vegetated areas compared to Moorhens

What Is The Difference Between A Moorhen And A Water Rail?

There are a number of key differences between water rails and moorhens which makes differentiating between the two quite easy. These differences include;

Visual Differences

From a distance, Moorhens appear to be black with a striking yellow and red beak and bright green legs. If you happen to get a closer look, through binoculars or a spotting scope, you’ll notice that Moorhens have dark brown backs and wings as well as a black and blue belly with white stripes on the flanks.

Moorhens have a more stocky build compared with the slighter physique of the Water Rail.

Water Rails are smaller and slimmer than Moorhens with an elusive manner which makes observing them quite a rare treat and somewhat of a challenge. They are easily recognisable by their chestnut brown streaked with black upper body, grey face and underparts and black and white barred flanks as well as their long, red beak.

If disturbed, Moorhens are far more likely to take flight to evade predators or threats. Whereas Water Rails are reluctant fliers and are far more likely to swim or run away from any real or perceived danger.

Differences In Habitat

Moorhens prefer well vegetated marshland, wetlands, ponds, canals, grasslands and farmlands in urban and suburban areas. They breed all around the UK but tend to keep away from high ground.

Water Rails prefer well vegetated wetlands, reed beds and marshland with tall, dense vegetation. Whilst some Water Rails migrate, those that inhabit milder parts of the UK are year round residents.

Nests & Eggs

Moorhens construct rough platforms from the stems of reeds with both mates providing material and adding to the design and build process. They waste no time in building the nest which can be a tower up to 30 cm (12 inches) high with a lined nest cup in as little as 10 to 12 hours.

Moorhen eggs are oval shaped, slightly glossy and a greyish white colour covered in reddish-brown or olive spots or blotches. The female will lay around 6 to 10 eggs which are about 43 x 31 mm in size and weigh around 22 grams.

Water Rails construct a large, bulky cup shaped nest made from dead leaves and plant stems which is typically hidden by a canopy of vegetation. The male and female are both involved with the construction of the nest and work together to get the nest completed in around 5 to 7 days. However, if building materials are plentiful and the pair are experienced, they can get the nest done in one day.

Water Rail eggs, which are slightly smaller, also oval shaped, slightly glossy and vary in colour from off-white to a pinkish-buff with reddish-brown spots or blotches. The female lays around 6 to 11 eggs which are around 36 x 26 mm in size and weigh about 13 grams.

Bird Calls

Both of these birds could be accused of mimicking other creatures’ sounds. Water Rails have been described as making pig-like noises which include a series of grunts followed by a pig-like squeal.

Moorhens generally make a wide range of gargling sounds but often make loud hisses (like a snake) if threatened. Water Rails are far more vocal than Moorhens and you’re much more likely to hear a Water Rail than you are to see it.

Size & Weight

Moorhens are considerably larger than Water Rails which is another good way to distinguish between the two species. Moorhens weigh around 250 to 400 grams and have a more robust appearance compared to Water Rails which weigh around 80 to 180 grams.

When it comes to the differences in the length and wingspan of these two birds, it’s the Moorhen that comes up trumps in this category as well. The average length of an adult Moorhen is around 32 to 35 cm with a wingspan of around 50 to 55 cm.

The Water Rail on the other hand, is slimmer, sleaker and has an average length of around 23 to 28 cm with a wingspan of around 38 to 45 cm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a moorhen and a water rail?

There are a number of differences between moorhens and water rails which include, the size, moorhens are around 50% larger than water rails and have a larger wingspan. The colour, moorhens appear to have black upper parts with a striking yellow and red beak and bright green legs. Water rails have chestnut brown with black streaked upper parts, black and white barred flanks and long red beaks.

Is a moorhen a rail?

Yes, a moorhen is a member of the rail family (Rallidae).

Where do moorhens go in winter in the UK?

Moorhens remain in the UK during winter and can often be seen in lowlands of Britain and Ireland. They prefer wetlands, marshlands, canals, ponds, grasslands and farmlands in urban and suburban areas. They do not frequent upland areas and are a rare sight in upland areas of Wales, northern England and Scotland.