Common Gallinule
NameCommon Gallinule
Common NameCommon Gallinule
Scientific NameGallinula galeata
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)34
Weight (g)325
Plumage DetailsMostly dark slate-gray to black plumage on the head, neck, and underparts, with brownish upperparts. It has a prominent white stripe along the flanks and white undertail coverts, which are often flicked. The bill is red with a yellow tip, and a bright red frontal shield extends onto the forehead. Legs are greenish-yellow with a red band above the tarsal joint.
Vocalization / CallProduces a variety of calls, including clucking, croaking, and cackling sounds. A common call is a sharp, often repeated 'kruk-kruk-kruk' or a softer 'purrr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the Americas, from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and much of South America. Also found in the Caribbean.
Identifying FeaturesRed frontal shield and bill with yellow tip, Dark slate-gray body with brownish back, White flank stripe, White undertail coverts, Greenish-yellow legs with a red garter
Description
A medium-sized waterbird with a dark body, a distinctive red frontal shield extending onto a yellow-tipped red bill, and long, greenish-yellow legs with a red garter. It is often seen walking on floating vegetation or swimming in freshwater wetlands, foraging for both plant and animal matter.
