Native Animals
Amaurornis phoenicurus
White-breasted Waterhen
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
ver 3.1, 2016
Taxonomy
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Kingdom
-
Phylum
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Class
-
Order
-
Family
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Genus
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Specific Epithetphoenicurus (Pennant, 1769)
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Common Name
- Ruak-ruak (Malay)
- Wak-wak (Malay)
- White-breasted Waterhen (English)
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ResidentialNative
Description
Locally called as Ruak-ruak in Malay (Akashah et al., 2012), the White-breasted Waterhen is a waterbird species widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and southern China, through South-East Asia, Philippines, Borneo, Java and Sulawesi where the population from the northern part are migratory during winter (Jeyarajasingam & Pearson, 2012; Phillipps, 2014).
This species is known to inhabit swampy vegetation (freshwater swamps), wet fields (flooded ricefields) and saline habitats (mangrove fringes and edge of mudflats). It can be seen either solitarily or in small groups lurking through the thick vegetation. Vegetables and insects are part of its diet. The White-breasted Waterhen possess a white tinge on the face, underparts and belly including dark slaty grey upperparts, yellow bill together with distinct red tinge on the parts between belly and undertail coverts (Strange & Jeyarajasingam, 1993; Jeyarajasingam & Pearson, 2012).
Habits
| No | Part | Habit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Couple or Pair
|
||
| 2 |
Solitary — Single only.
|
Habitats
| No | Description | Suitability | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Artificial - Aquatic → Wastewater Treatment Areas
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 2 |
Artificial - Aquatic → Wastewater Treatment Areas
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 3 |
Artificial - Terrestrial → Arable Land
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 4 |
Artificial - Terrestrial → Arable Land
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 5 |
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Mangrove Forest Vegetation Above High Tide Level
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 6 |
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Mangrove Forest Vegetation Above High Tide Level
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 7 |
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 8 |
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 9 |
Grassland → Subtropical/Tropical Seasonally Wet/Flooded Lowland Grassland
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 10 |
Grassland → Subtropical/Tropical Seasonally Wet/Flooded Lowland Grassland
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 11 |
Marine Coastal/Supratidal → Coastal Freshwater Lakes
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 12 |
Marine Coastal/Supratidal → Coastal Freshwater Lakes
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 13 |
Shrubland → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Shrubland
|
Marginal | Non-breeding |
| 14 |
Shrubland → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Shrubland
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 15 |
Wetlands → Bogs, Marshes, Swamps, Fens, Peatlands [generally over 8 ha]
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 16 |
Wetlands → Bogs, Marshes, Swamps, Fens, Peatlands [generally over 8 ha]
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 17 |
Wetlands → Permanent Freshwater Lakes [over 8 ha]
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 18 |
Wetlands → Permanent Freshwater Lakes [over 8 ha]
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 19 |
Wetlands → Permanent Freshwater Marshes/Pools [under 8 ha]
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 20 |
Wetlands → Permanent Freshwater Marshes/Pools [under 8 ha]
|
Suitable | Breeding |
| 21 |
Wetlands → Permanent Rivers, Streams, Creeks [includes waterfalls]
|
Suitable | Non-breeding |
| 22 |
Wetlands → Permanent Rivers, Streams, Creeks [includes waterfalls]
|
Suitable | Breeding |
References : http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes/habitats-classification-scheme-ver3
Assessment
| Year Published | Assessment | Red List Category | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
3.1 |
| 2015 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
3.1 |
| 2009 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
N/A |
| 2008 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
N/A |
| 2004 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
N/A |
| 2000 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
N/A |
| 1994 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
N/A |
| 1988 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Least Concern (LC)
|
N/A |
Structure
Adult
Color
Black
White
Beak / Bill
Color
Red
Yellow
Chick
Color
Black
Legs
Color
Yellow
Location
by State Location
- Johore 4
- Kedah 2
- Pahang 1
- Penang 1
- Perak 3
- Terengganu 1
- Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur 1
- Federal Territories of Putrajaya 3
by Protected Areas Location
- Wildlife Sanctuary/Reserve 1
Based on publications, specimens, and images
Specimen
Biodiversity Experts
| Profile | |
|---|---|
|
Abdul Rahman (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Birds,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystems, Environment, Forest, Protected Areas & Wildlife Trade
|
|
Ahmad Khusaini Bin Mohd Kharip Shah (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Birds (Ecology),
Conservation
|
|
Birds,
|
|
|
Andrew Alek Tuen (Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
|
Mammals, Birds,
Protected Areas
|
|
Azmi Mat Ali (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Birds (Taxonomy),
Biodiversity, Conservation & Wildlife Trade
|
|
Farah Shafawati Mohd Taib (Dr.)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
|
Birds, Mammals, Rodents, Treeshrews, Squirrels,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Data Analysis, Ecosystems & Taxonomy
|
|
Hasdi Hassan @ Asang (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Birds,
Conservation & Management
|
|
Ismail Bin Hj. Mamat (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Birds,
Biodiversity, Protected Areas & Invasive Alien Species
|
|
Meor Amran Bin Meor Zulkifilee (Mr.)
Birdgroup Taman Negara (BGTN)
|
Birds,
Business, Environment, Forest, Management & Tourism
|
|
Mohammad Shahfiz Azman (Mr.)
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
|
Amphibians, Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles,
Awareness, Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystems, Environment, Forest, Landscape, Law and Policy, Management, Protected Areas, Science, Systematics, Invasive Alien Species, Like-Minded Megadiverse Countries (LMMC), National Policy on Biological Diversity, Policy, Research and Development (R&D) & Zoonotic
|
|
Mohd Abdul Muin Bin Md Akil (Mr.)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
|
Amphibians, Birds, Reptiles, Snakes,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Evolution, Genetics, Molecular, Protected Areas, Climate Change & Invasive Alien Species
|
|
Mustafa Abdul Rahman (Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
|
Birds,
|
|
Rahmah Binti Ilias (Mrs.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Birds,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Protected Areas & Invasive Alien Species
|
|
Rosli Hashim (Prof. Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
|
Birds (Ecology), Mammals (Ecology), Spiders, Insects,
Biodiversity & Protected Areas
|
|
Rosli Ramli (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
|
Mammals (Ecology), Birds,
Biodiversity, Digital Sequence Information (DSI), Protected Areas & Marine & Coastal
|
|
Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli (Dr.)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
|
Birds (Ecology), Fishes (Ecology), Molluscs (Ecology),
Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystems, Marine & Coastal & Water
|
|
Yeap Chin Aik (Mr.)
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
|
Birds (Ecology),
Awareness, Biodiversity, Biological Resource, Conservation, Ecosystems, Education, Forest, Landscape, Management, Protected Areas & Traditional Knowledge (TK)
|
PM - Peninsular Malaysia; SBH - Sabah; SWK - Sarawak; SEA - Southeast Asia; W - World;
References
Article
- Azman, N.M., Abdul Latip, N.S., Shahrul Anuar, M.S., Mohd Abdul Muin, M.A., Shafie, N.J. & Khairuddin, N.L. (2011). Avian Diversity and Feeding Guilds in a Secondary Forest, an Oil Palm Plantation and a Paddy Field in Riparian Areas of the Kerian River Basin, Perak, Malaysia. Tropical Life Sciences Research (TSLR) 22 (2), 45–64
- Jambari, A., Azhar, B., Ibrahim, N.L., Jamian, S., Hussin, A., Chong, L.P., Noor, H.M., Yusof, E. & Zakaria, M. (2012). Avian Biodiversity and Conservation in Malaysian Oil Palm Production Areas. Journal of Oil Palm Research 24, 1277-1286. http://palmoilis.mpob.gov.my/publications/joprv24april2012-Asrul.pdf
- Joeman, B.D, G.Hubert, Petol & V., Rudolf (2019). Avifaunal survey of Ulu Kalang Forest Reserve in the district of Tenom, Sabah, Malaysia. Sepilok Bulletin. 28, 69-80
- Kodoh, J. (2005). Surveys of non-timber forest products traded in tamu, Sabah, Malaysia. Sepilok Bulletin. 3, 27-36. http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/docs/frc/Sepilok%20Bulletin%20Vol.%203.pdf
- Norshaqinah, A., Muzneena, A.M., Senawi, J. & Norhayati, A. (2018). Distribution and abundance of vertebrate animal road-kills on Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia. Malayan Nature Journal. , 9
- Rajpar, M.N. & Zakaria, M. (2014). Effects of Habitat Characteristics on Waterbird Distribution and Richness in Wetland Ecosystem of Malaysia. Journal of Wildlife and Parks 28, 105-120
- Sodhi, N.S., Briffett, C., Lee, B.P.Y-H. & Subaraj, R. (1999). An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplements (6), 125-130
- Suis, M.A.F., Miun, J., Tingkoi, L. & Nilus, R. (2019). Inventory of terrestrial mammals and birds in Sungai Pin Conservation Area, Kinabatangan. Sepilok Bulletin. 28, 49-68. http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/docs/frc/Sepilok%20Bulletin%20Vol%2028%20(2019).pdf
- Azman, N.M., Abdul Latip, N.S., Shahrul Anuar, M.S., Mohd Abdul Muin, M.A., Ahmad, A. & Shafie, N.J. (2014). Diversity and Temporal Distribution of Birds in Rice-Growing Landscape, Northern Peninsular Malaysia. Sains Malaysiana 43 (4), 513-520. http://www.ukm.my/jsm
Book
- Biodiversity in Plantation Landscapes, 2012. Wild Asia and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. pp. 130. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Birds of FRIM, 2003. Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 49.
- Field Guide to the Waterbirds of ASEAN, 2018. ASEAN-Korea Environmental Cooperation Unit (AKECU), South Korea. pp. 300.
- Guidebook to the Biodiversity of Linting wetlands, 2015. Wetlands International, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Island Life: A Natural History of Pulau Tengah, Johor, Malaysia, 2018. WS Lifestyle, Singapore. pp. 163.
- MNS Bird Conservation Council. 2015. A Checklist of the Birds of Malaysia Second Edition. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Nature Society - Bird Conservation Council, Malaysia. pp. 60.
- Pelan Pengurusan Hidupan Liar Putrajaya, 1998. PERHILITAN & Perbadanan Putrajaya, Malaysia. pp. 100.
- Abdul Rahman, A.R., Koh, H.L., Muhamad, A., Wan Yusof, W.K. & Latiff, A. (2011). Hutan Simpan Melaka: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal, Kepelbagaian Biologi dan Socio-ekonomi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 315.
- Abdullah, N.A.T. & Abdul Aziz, M.A. (2019). Winged Beauties: Birds of Sarawak. Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Malaysia. pp. 196.
- Akashah, M., Maimon, A., Norhayati, A., Noordin, N. & Nurliyana, A.R., Biodiversity in an urban ecosystem: Putrajaya Lake and Wetland. Perbadanan Putrajaya. pp. 185.
- Akashah, M., Noordin, N., Kasim, A. & Dzahiri, F. (2012). Bird Map Putrajaya Lake and Wetland: UNECO - IHP Ecohydrology Programme. Perbadanan Putrajaya, Malaysia. pp. 120.
- Ang, L.H., Kaur, R. & Yusof, Z.A. (2012). Rimba Bidor: A Gift to Nature. Tin Tailings Afforestation Centre, Malaysia. pp. 108.
- Asyraf, M., Mohd Abdul Muin, M.A., Shahrul Anuar, M.S. & Rahmad, Z. (2015). Pictorial Guide To The Plant and Bird Life of Byram Mangrove Forest, Penang. Penerbit USM, Malaysia. pp. 190.
- Davison, G.W.H. & Chew, Y. F. (1995). A Photographic Guide to Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. New Holand Ltd. pp. 144.
- Dunning Jr, J. B. (2007). CRC handbook of avian body masses, Volume 2. CRC Press , United States of America. pp. 1-643.
- Francis, C.M. (1998). A Pocket Guide To The Birds of Borneo, Third Edition. The Sabah Society, Malaysia.
- Gregory-Smith, R. (1995). The Birds of Sarawak: A Pocket Checklist. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia. pp. 21.
- Gumal, M.T., Hon, J. & Kong, D. (2008). Birds and Bats of Loagan Bunut National Park Sarawak, Malaysia, Issue/No. 11. Peat Swamp Forest Project, UNDP/GEF Funded (MAL/99/G31) in collaboration with the Sarawak Forest Department and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Malaysia. pp. 1-105.
- Ilias, R., Aminurddin Ahmad, M., Yatim, H.S.H., Abu Hashim, A.K., Hassan, H., Othman, A. & Abidin, F.A.Z. (2007). Avifauna: Kuala Gula, Perak: Senarai Spesies. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. pp. 21.
- Ismail, A., Faid, R, Ilias, R. & Yasak, M.N. (2010). The Adaptability of Released Milky Stork in Kuala Gula, Perak. Faculty of Science, Biology Dept., UPM and the Department of Wildlife and National Park, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. pp. 62.
- Jamaludin, H., Yatim, H.S.H., Abu Hashim, A.K., Saaban, S., Hassan, H., Othman, A. & Mohd Nor, D.H. (2007). Avifauna: Taman Negara: Senarai Spesies. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. pp. 44.
- Jamaludin, H., Yatim, H.S.H., Abu Hashim, A.K., Saaban, S., Hassan, H., Othman, A. & Mohamad Rufino, B.M. (2007). Avifauna: Paya Indah Wetlands: Senarai Spesies. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. pp. 21.
- Latiff, A. (2010). Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve: Green Lung of Kuala Lumpur. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 100.
- Maimon, A. (2008). Biodiversity of Sungai Pulai: Ramsar Site, Johor. Earth Observation Centre, Malaysia. pp. 97.
- Myers, S. (2009). A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo. Simon Papps, Singapore. pp. 272.
- Nee, T. A. & Norhayati, N. (2018). Compendium of Facts and Figures. 3rd Edition, Volume 3. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. pp. 174.
- Phillipps, Q. (2014). Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan. Third Edition. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd., United Kingdom. pp. 337, 372.
- Praveena, B.K. & Maria Arlene, J.A.S. (2013). Compendium of Facts and Figures. 2nd Edition. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. pp. 161.
- Rajendran, S. & Jeyarajasingam, A. (2021). Malaysian Birds - A Glimpse. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Malaysia. pp. 1-335.
- Rosla, M. (2014). Burung-burung di Semenanjung Malaysia: Hak Milik Kita yang Terlepas Pandang, Volume 1. Red Door To Hunt, Malaysia. pp. 369.
- Chan, K.S & See, C.M (2020). Coastal Mangrove Birds of Bagan Datuk, Perak. Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. pp. 80.
- Shaharuddin, M.I., Azahar, M., Razani, U., Kamaruzaman, A.B., Lim, K.L., Suhaili, R., Jalil, M.S. & Latiff, A. (2005). Sustainable Management of Matang Mangroves: 100 Years and Beyond. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 531.
- Shahfiz, M.A., Faradiana, N.M.F., Nor Hazwani, A.R. & Chua, L.S.L. (2023). A pocket guide to Avifauna at Sime Darby Plantation. Taurus DNP Sdn Bhd, Selangor. 86pp.
- Strange, M. & Jeyarajasingam, A. (1993). A Photographic Guide to Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Sun Tree Publishing, Singapore. pp. 270.
- Jeyarajasingam, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford. pp. 449.
Chapter in book
- Inventori Hidupan Liar di Putrajaya. In Pelan Pengurusan Hidupan Liar Putrajaya. PERHILITAN & Perbadanan Putrajaya. pp. 1-52.
Report
- Laporan Inventori Hidupan Liar Putrajaya 2019. Kementerian Air, Tanah dan Sumber Asli (KATS) dan Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Semenanjung Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Laporan Program Kajian Inventori dan Pengurusan Hidupan Liar Tahun 2017, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya. Perbadanan Putrajaya & PERHILITAN, Malaysia.
Unpublish
- Checklist of Biodiversity of Setiu (2019)
Publications
Related by Genus
Acknowledgements :- Mr. Abdul Razak Mohd Nor Rasid, Ms. Adibah Syahirah Binti Mohd Mansor, Mr. Ahmad Amir Firdaus Bin Mad Apandi, Ms. Aida Salihah Binti Abu Bakar, Ms. Ajla Rafidah Baharom, Ms. Amirah Hasanah Binti Mazlan, Mrs. Aziemah Binti Kinan, Ms. Fatin Qurratul 'ain Binti Saberam, Ms. Intan Nazira Binti Abdul Sani, Mr. Meor Amran Bin Meor Zulkifilee, Mr. Muhammad Izzuddin Bin Hazan, Ms. Norayuni Binti Ramlee, Ms. Norazah Binti Norddin, Mrs. Nur Hazwanie Binti Abd Halim, Ms. Nurfadzilah Bt Azmi, Ms. Nurfarhana Hizan Binti Hijas, Ms. Nurliyana Binti Abd Rahman, Ms. Nursyafiqa Madzlen, Ms. Nurul Atikah Abu Bakar, Mr. Simon Kuyun, Ms. Siti Zubaidah Binti Abdul Latif, Mr. Tan Kok Kiat & Mr. Yasser Mohamed Arifin
Photo credit :- Koay Zhong Ying, Mohd Suhaimi Bin Mohd Yusof & PERHILITAN
Species Citation :- Amaurornis phoenicurus. Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS). Accessed via https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/20669. [Retrieved 29 November 2023].
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