Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

Brief Description

A medium-sized water bird, often seen swimming in open water with a characteristic jerking head movement or walking on floating vegetation. It has long, greenish-yellow legs with large feet, not fully webbed, which aid in walking on soft ground and vegetation.

Additional Information

• Region of Origin: Widespread across the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, Africa) and parts of the Americas (often considered different species in the Americas, e.g., Common Gallinule).
• Typical Sighting Period: Year-round in many parts of its range, especially in temperate climates. Breeding season typically spring and summer.
• Plumage Details: Adults have dark sooty-grey to black plumage with a prominent red frontal shield extending onto the forehead and a red bill with a yellow tip. They have white stripes on the flanks and white undertail coverts. Juveniles are duller and browner, lacking the bright frontal shield and bill coloration.
• Ecological Significance: Common Moorhens are important components of freshwater wetland ecosystems. They consume a variety of plant matter, small invertebrates, and insects, contributing to nutrient cycling and playing a role in controlling insect populations. They also serve as a food source for various predators.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. While local populations can fluctuate due to habitat loss and degradation, the species has a very large range and a stable global population trend.
• Observation Tips: Look for Common Moorhens in vegetated freshwater habitats like ponds, lakes, rivers, and canals. They are often shy but can become accustomed to human presence in parks and urban settings. Observe their distinctive head-bobbing as they swim and their flicking white undertail patches as they walk or take flight. Listen for their sharp 'krrruk' calls.