Water Rail call... A danger to them?

FUDGEY · #1 (**permalink**) 23-10-2009, 09:09 PM

Was in my hide yesterday. I've seen two Water Rails so far, but always hear them. Anyway yesterday it was a high tide and I was shocked to hear 6 maybe 7 different Rails in a small area (new migrants coming in perhaps?) as they were all calling I thought about how their call could attract unwanted attention. They say they sound like squealing pigs, but to me it's more like a Rabbit in distress. This sound is one of the best ways to attract predators wether it be BOP or Stoats, weasels, mink and the likes. This particular area has a good population of Mink so I'd imagine that a few of these birds will be killed down to their call. I wonder why nature gave them such a call?

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 05:54 AM

Well they've successfully survived longer than us on this planet so their call can't be that much of a handicap. Whenever I've heard them calling it has been from cover. A great sight to see so many Water Rails together.

FUDGEY · #3 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 08:11 AM

Not along side Mink they havent. They are always in cover when I've heard them too, but this will be a positive for Mink and an easier meal to stalk. I think that a Mink will be there number one predator considering the habitat they frequent.

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 11:54 AM

Undoubtedly a Mink will take a Water Rail if it gets the chance, but I've never heard that Mink are a particular problem for Water Rails. I suspect they normally inhabit dense cover that possibly is less easy for a Mink to hunt in. I suspect that Mink are more likely to encounter Moorhens.

The bible on UK mammals (the Handbook) says that detailed studies show they have little overall effect on prey populations apart from some local reductions in sub-optimal habitats.

FUDGEY · #5 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 07:30 PM

Thanks for that Aeshna5, I just find it a strange call for a bird. There is no sound worse than this to attract predators. I'm sure they will come out of cover in the dark and call so this will also make them vunerable to Foxes. I have a lot of experience squeaking and its a great way to attract many predators from distance.

FUDGEY · #6 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 07:32 PM

Probably the reason they aren't that common

charlieb · #7 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

Not along side Mink they havent.

American no, but European they have.

FUDGEY · #8 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 03:56 PM

And are they common in the States? ie as common as Moorhens are here?

charlieb · #9 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

the States?

Water Rails live alongside European Mink

FUDGEY · #10 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 05:48 PM

Yeah, but they arent very common, maybe their call sets them back and thats why their is not a high population of them. Just a thought. I also pointed out that they have not been living along side them for that many years, maybe they will become even rarer as the years go on.