Watercock (Gà đồng, Cúm núm)
Conservation status: LC
The Watercock (Gallicrex cinerea), known as "Gà đồng" or "Cúm núm" in Vietnamese, is a fascinating waterbird belonging to the rail and crake family (Rallidae).
Here's detailed information about the Watercock:
1. Characteristics:
Size and Appearance: The Watercock is a medium-sized rail.
Males (breeding season): During the breeding season, adult males are quite striking, measuring around 43 cm (17 in) long and weighing between 476–650 g (1.049–1.433 lb). They have predominantly black-grey plumage with distinctive red legs, bill, an extended red frontal shield (a fleshy plate on the forehead), and a horn-like projection.
Females and Non-breeding Males: Females are smaller, about 36 cm (14 in) long and weighing 298–434 g (10.5–15.3 oz).
They, along with young and non-breeding males, have a more subdued appearance, being dark brown above and paler below, with streaked and barred markings. Their bill is yellow, and their legs are green.
Body Shape: Like other rails, their body is laterally compressed, which helps them move easily through dense reeds and undergrowth.
They have long toes and a short tail. Vocalization: They are noisy birds, especially at dawn and dusk, known for their loud, gulping call, which gives them the local name "cúm cúm" or "cúm núm" in Vietnam.
2. Habitat and Distribution:
Habitat: Watercocks primarily inhabit freshwater swamps, marshes, and rice paddies.
They prefer areas with dense vegetation that provides cover and food. They can also sometimes be found in mangrove forests. Distribution: They are widely distributed across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia.
Their range extends from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, through Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, up to South China, Korea, and Japan. In Vietnam, they are found in the Northeast, Central, South Central, and Southern regions, up to elevations of 1,200 meters.
3. Diet:
Watercocks are omnivorous. Their diet typically includes:
Insects
Small fish
Seeds
They forage by probing their bills in mud or shallow water and can also pick up food by sight while on the ground.
4. Breeding:
Breeding Season: In Vietnam, they breed from May to September.
Nesting: They build their nests in dry locations on the ground within marsh vegetation, often concealed within tall, dense plants and grasses for protection.
Eggs: A clutch usually consists of 3-10 eggs (some sources say 3-6 eggs).
Chicks: Downy chicks are black.
5. Migration:
While some populations of Watercocks are migratory (especially those from the northern parts of their range, which move south for winter), many are permanent residents throughout their range, adapting to local resources and climate.
6. Conservation Status:
The Watercock is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
