Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus · Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
The Common Moorhen is a widespread waterbird of the rail family, often found in well-vegetated freshwater habitats. Known for its distinctive red frontal shield and bill, this species navigates aquatic environments with ease, swimming like a duck and walking across floating vegetation with its long toes. It is a familiar sight across much of the Old World.
Explore the full field guideResident, migratoryMedium-sizedVaried callsOmnivorous
14 calls·first heard Jul 1·last 7d ago
When it's heardpeak 1p · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Predominantly dark gray to black body with brownish upperparts, white streaks on flanks, and a prominent white undertail.
- Bright red bill with a yellow tip, extending into a rounded, red frontal shield on the forehead.
- Yellow-green legs with long, unwebbed toes, enabling it to walk on floating vegetation.
- Young birds are browner overall and lack the distinctive red frontal shield of adults.