water rail

an Old World rail, Rallus aquaticus, having olive-brown plumage marked with black and a long, red bill.

Origin of water rail

First recorded in 1645–55

Couch gives some facts of interest relating to the mode of escape practised by the water-rail, swan, and some other aquatic birds.

Animal Intelligence |George J. Romanes
The hawk dropped the water-rail and flew down to the lure and suffered herself to be taken.

The Swan and Her Crew |George Christopher Davies
I once turned out a dozen water-hens, a brown owl, a woodcock, and a water-rail from one little withe patch.

The Naturalist on the Thames |C. J. Cornish
A cause of deep regret, indeed,Had the door opened at the knocking of the water-rail!

Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan |Various

The boys went to see the nest and found eleven eggs in it, like those of the water-rail but larger.

The Swan and Her Crew |George Christopher Davies

water rail

a large Eurasian rail, Rallus aquaticus, of swamps, ponds, etc, having a long red bill