The running bird

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
Location : Kruak Wetlands - between Zone B&C

It is often seen at the park especially at the Kruak Wetlands.  It has a habit of running fast and furious at the sight of anything that comes close to it.  Only in extreme cases of near-death encounters it would spread its wings to fly.  So I call it the running bird.  It forages near small streams, areas of grassland and ponds.  This rather shy and panic-striken bird finds home at the park where food and shelter are a plenty.  Besides its fast moves, this bird is attractive for its contrasting white and dark grey body, feet and legs in orange and beautiful cinnamon colour to its underparts especially from lower belly to under-tail section.  The Malay word "Kruak' refers to the distinguishing 'wak-wak' sounds it utters.  Why wait? Run, run  and hunt for insects and small fishes!!