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Water rail

Strange sounds in the reeds

A young water rail, photo Antti Koli
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The water rail (Rallus aquaticus) is very difficult to spot. Your best bet for catching a glimpse of one is to make use of the Pornaistenniemi bird hide.

The calls of the water rail, on the other hand, are often heard, especially in the spring. Their calls are similar to pig squeals and occasionally sound like high-pitched oinking. The water rail is related to the Eurasian coot, which wades among the reeds on its massive toes.