Common Moorhen
NameCommon Moorhen
Common NameCommon Moorhen
Scientific NameGallinula chloropus
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)34
Weight (g)375
Plumage DetailsSooty black head and underparts, olive-brown back and wings, a prominent white stripe along the flanks, and white undertail coverts with a black central stripe. The bill is red with a yellow tip, and a bright red frontal shield extends onto the forehead. Legs are yellow-green with a red 'garter' band above the tarsal joint.
Vocalization / CallA variety of sharp, clucking, and croaking calls, often a 'kruk' or 'kirruk' sound, and a sharp 'kittick' when alarmed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, inhabiting freshwater wetlands, ponds, rivers, and marshes.
Identifying FeaturesRed frontal shield and bill tip with yellow end, Yellow-green legs with red garter, White flank stripe, White undertail coverts with black central stripe, Dark sooty plumage
Description
The Common Moorhen is a medium-sized waterbird with dark plumage, a distinctive red frontal shield, and bright yellow-green legs. It is often found foraging at the water's edge or in dense aquatic vegetation, frequently flicking its tail to show white undertail coverts.
