White Breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus):
These white breasted waterhens are very calm and like to go along doing their work silently, unnoticed. As the name suggests, these birds are the water counterparts of normal hens and can be seen mostly near edges of water bodies. In our IIT, the best places to see them are the lake behind SAC and IITG lake. When no one is around, they are bold enough to venture on the roads, so watch out for them!
Local names: Assamese : ???? Daauk
1. Blackish grey upper parts
2. Red small swollen patch at base of upper beak
3. Rufous cinnamon coloured tail, sometimes seen upright
4.Yellowish-green beak and legs
5. White face, fore neck and breast, giving the bird its name.
Hope you identify them with these pictures’ help.