 The water rail is monogamous and highly territorial when breeding . The birds pair off after arriving at their nesting areas , or possibly even before spring migration . In large wetlands with good conditions birds may nest 20 – 50 m ( 22 – 55 yd ) apart . Territories vary in size , but 300 m2 ( 360 sq yd ) is typical . The pair give courting and contact calls throughout the breeding season . The male selects the nest site which he shows to the female while posturing with raised back feathers , wings arched over his back , tail spread and bill pointed vertically downwards . This display is accompanied by a loud call . Before mating , he raises his wings and tail , and bows with his bill touching his breast . The male feeds the female during courtship , and , when incubating , she may leave the nest to display to the male , walking round him , calling softly , rubbing her bill against his and taking short runs to and from him . 
