Common Gallinule

The Common Gallinule is a chicken-sized marsh bird nearly identical in appearance to the Old World Common Moorhen, from which it was formally split as a distinct species in 2011. It has slate-grey to blackish-brown plumage, a bright red bill tipped in yellow, a red frontal shield, and a crisp white line along each flank.

It is a common, widespread inhabitant of freshwater wetlands throughout much of the Americas, often seen swimming along reedy shorelines with a distinctive jerky head motion.

Key field marks

• Red bill tipped in yellow, with a matching red frontal shield
• Slate-grey to blackish-brown body
• White stripe along the flanks
• White undertail coverts, flicked while swimming
• Long greenish-yellow legs and toes

Similar species

The Purple Gallinule is far more colorful, with vivid purple-blue plumage and a pale blue frontal shield. The American Coot lacks the red bill, showing an all-white bill and shield instead.

Habitat

Common Gallinules use freshwater marshes, pond and lake edges, and canals with emergent vegetation for cover and nesting.

Range and migration

Found from the northern United States and southern Canada south through Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America. Northern populations migrate south for the winter, while tropical populations are largely resident.

Behavior

Swims with a characteristic jerky head-bobbing motion and walks readily on floating vegetation and mudflats, aided by its long toes.

Voice

Loud, harsh cackling and squawking calls.

Feeding

A varied diet of aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates gathered while swimming or walking.

Nesting and breeding

Builds a floating or emergent nest anchored in marsh vegetation. Pairs often raise multiple broods per season, and older siblings sometimes help feed younger chicks.