All species
resident
Least ConcernRails, crakes and coots
Common Moorhen
A dark, secretive waterbird with a red and yellow bill, white undertail flashes, and long green legs. Moorhens skulk in reedbeds and swim with a jerky motion.
Gallinula chloropus
Lakes Ponds Rivers Wetlands
Size
30-35 cm
Wingspan
50-55 cm
Weight
250-420 g
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, small fish and berries.
Song & Call
A variety of sharp 'kik' and 'kurr-uk' calls.
How to identify
- Dark plumage with white undertail
- Red and yellow bill
- Long green legs
- White flank stripes
Conservation
Least Concern
Widespread across lowland wetlands; likes ponds with vegetated edges.
