Lesser Moorhen
NameLesser Moorhen
Common NameLesser Moorhen
Scientific NameParagallinula angulata
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)43.5
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)80
Plumage DetailsAdults are uniformly dark slate-grey to blackish on the head, neck, and underparts, with browner upperparts. They possess a prominent red frontal shield and a yellow bill with a red base. A distinct white stripe is visible on the flanks, and the undertail coverts are white. The legs and feet are pinkish-red.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet, but produces a variety of soft clucks, grunts, and sharp, high-pitched calls, often described as 'krrrek' or 'krr-krr-krr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting suitable wetland habitats and often moving with seasonal rains.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark slate-grey plumage, red frontal shield, yellow-tipped bill, white flank stripe, pinkish-red legs, white undertail coverts
Description
The Lesser Moorhen is a small, secretive waterbird found in wetlands across Sub-Saharan Africa. It has dark slate-grey plumage, a distinctive red frontal shield, and a yellow-tipped bill. This species typically forages among dense aquatic vegetation, often walking on floating plants.
