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IUCN status: Least ConcernWhite-breasted Waterhen at a glance
The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a bird in the family Rallidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. Diet: insects, worms, snails, small fish, grain and parts of marsh plants; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Amaurornis phoenicurus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kareo padi |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra |
| Taxonomic group | Gruiformes |
| GBIF records | 7,450 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — insects, worms, snails, small fish, grain and parts of marsh plants · Oiseaux-Birds |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — Most vocal at dawn and dusk, and sometimes calls at night. · White-breasted Waterhen - Oiseaux-Birds (species card) |
In this guide (12)
What is the White-breasted Waterhen?
White-breasted Waterhen refers to Amaurornis phoenicurus, in the genus Amaurornis, family Rallidae, and order Gruiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the White-breasted Waterhen?
This waterhen has a dark body and conspicuously white face and breast; records should include the waterside vegetation where it was seen.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the White-breasted Waterhen?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 7,450 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the White-breasted Waterhen?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare White-breasted Waterhen with Black Sunbird, Blyth's Hornbill, White-nest Swiftlet. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the White-breasted Waterhen
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Amaurornis |
| Species | Amaurornis phoenicurus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the White-breasted Waterhen
What is the scientific name of the White-breasted Waterhen?
The scientific name of the White-breasted Waterhen is Amaurornis phoenicurus, in the family Rallidae and the order Gruiformes. In Indonesian it is called Kareo padi.
What kind of animal is the White-breasted Waterhen?
The White-breasted Waterhen is a bird in the family Rallidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a insects, worms, snails, small fish, grain and parts of marsh plants.
Where does the White-breasted Waterhen live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the White-breasted Waterhen summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the White-breasted Waterhen eat?
The White-breasted Waterhen is a insects, worms, snails, small fish, grain and parts of marsh plants. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: Oiseaux-Birds.
How does the White-breasted Waterhen reproduce?
The White-breasted Waterhen reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the White-breasted Waterhen nocturnal?
The cited source records the White-breasted Waterhen as diurnal (active by day). Most vocal at dawn and dusk, and sometimes calls at night. Source: White-breasted Waterhen - Oiseaux-Birds (species card).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the White-breasted Waterhen?
Scientific classification of the White-breasted Waterhen: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Gruiformes, family Rallidae, genus Amaurornis, species Amaurornis phoenicurus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the White-breasted Waterhen endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the White-breasted Waterhen is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the White-breasted Waterhen is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Oiseaux-Birds ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/amaurornis-phoenicurus/