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Common moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

The Common Moorhen is a widespread and familiar water bird found throughout the UK, easily recognisable by its distinctive plumage and bright red and yellow beak. These birds are often seen in ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes, where they forage for a variety of food items. Their loud calls and characteristic behaviour make them a common sight in wetland habitats.

How to Identify a Common Moorhen:

  • Head: Dark brown to black head with a striking red frontal shield extending from the beak to the forehead.
  • Body: The body is dark brown with a blackish underbelly. The sides show white streaks.
  • Beak: Bright red beak with a yellow tip.
  • Wings: Dark brown wings with a faint white line along the edge, visible in flight.
  • Legs: Greenish legs with long toes, often with a red band near the top.

Description and Statistics:

  • Size: 27-31cm in length.
  • Wingspan: 50-55cm.
  • Weight: 0.2-0.4kg.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look similar, with no significant differences in plumage. Males are typically slightly larger than females.

Breeding, Nesting and Rearing Habits:

  • Moorhens are usually monogamous during the breeding season, with pairs forming strong bonds.
  • They build their nests in dense vegetation near water, often concealed among reeds or other aquatic plants.
  • The female lays a clutch of 5-10 eggs, which both parents incubate for about 19-22 days.
  • Chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, following their parents to water where they start feeding themselves under parental guidance.

The Common Moorhen in the UK:

The Common Moorhen is native to the UK and is a common resident throughout the country. Its adaptability to various wetland habitats, including man-made environments, ensures its widespread presence. The population is stable, and moorhens are a familiar sight in both urban and rural areas.



Sources:

Adult