Bird · GBIF taxon 5228199
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusAlso known as Common Gallinule, Waterhen
The Common Moorhen is a dark wetland rail with a red-and-yellow bill, white flank streak, and long yellow-green toes. It swims with a head-bobbing motion and also walks across mud or floating vegetation to gather plant and animal food.
Wetland RailLong ToesOmnivorous Waterbird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic insects
- Snails
- Tadpoles
Predators
- Foxes
- Large fish
- Raptors
ThreatsWetland loss, polluted water, entanglement, shoreline disturbance, and invasive predators
HabitatsReedy ponds, marshes, canals, slow rivers, lakeshores, and urban wetlands
Life spanOften 3 to 7 years, with some wild birds exceeding 10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyRallidae
- SpeciesGallinula chloropus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Do not feed moorhens, and give adults with chicks room to reach cover.
Responsible observation
- Field marks: Look for the red frontal shield and white flank stripe.
- Behavior: Watch for rhythmic head bobbing while swimming.
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