The watercock (Gallicrex cinerea) is a waterbird in the rail and crake family, Rallidae. The Watercock has short tail, long toes and a slender body that facilitates moving through the reeds or undergrowth. Watercock are quite secretive, but are sometimes seen out in the open. They are noisy birds, especially at dawn and dusk, with a loud, gulping call. Watercocks loud, gulping calls are mostly heard at dawn and dusk.