Bird · GBIF taxon 5228199
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusAlso known as 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
1 / 7—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
- OrderGruiformes
- FamilyRallidae
- GenusGallinula
- 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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