Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Moorhen is a distinctive chicken-like water bird with a plump, dark body and a striking red and yellow bill with a red frontal shield. Its upperparts are dark brown to black, while the underside is slightly lighter with white streaks along the flanks.
Both sexes look similar, although females are generally smaller. Juveniles have a duller plumage and a greenish-brown bill. During the breeding season, adults develop brighter bill colours and more prominent white flank stripes.
Size
Length
30cm to 38cm
Wingspan
50cm to 62cm
Weight
192g to 500g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Brown
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Red Yellow
Leg Colour
Green Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Moorhens inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers. They are particularly fond of areas with dense vegetation along the water's edge.
These birds have a widespread distribution across Europe, Asia and Africa. They are common in the UK, especially in lowland areas, adapting well to rural and urban wetland environments. They are scarce or absent from high-lying parts of Scotland, Northern England and Wales.
Elevation Range
Up to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Moorhen. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Moorhens are quite agile, being adept swimmers and walkers with the ability to climb trees and navigate floating vegetation. Their long toes and jerky swimming motion contribute to their nimbleness in aquatic environments.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong compared to larger birds, Moorhens possess enough strength to defend territories and build nests using aquatic vegetation. Their ability to dive in shallow water also suggests moderate strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Moorhens demonstrate high adaptability, thriving in various freshwater habitats from rural to urban areas. Their omnivorous diet and ability to supplement it with human-provided food in cities further showcases their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
During breeding season, Moorhens become notably aggressive, vigorously defending their nesting sites against intruders. However, they are generally shy outside of this period, balancing their aggression score.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Moorhens exhibit good endurance, evidenced by their ability to swim, walk, and climb for extended periods. Their partial migratory nature and widespread distribution across various climates also suggest decent endurance levels.
Diet
Moorhens are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates, including worms and small fish. They will also feed on berries, carrion, and occasionally bird eggs.
They often forage by picking food from the water's surface or diving in shallow water. In urban areas, they may supplement their diet with bread and other food offered by humans.
Behaviour
Moorhens are agile swimmers and walkers, often seen nodding their heads while moving. They are generally shy but can become bolder in urban areas.
These birds are territorial during breeding season, with pairs vigorously defending their nesting sites against intruders.
Vocalisation
Moorhens have a varied vocal repertoire. Their most common call is a sharp, explosive 'kurr-uk' or 'krruk', often given in rapid succession.
During the breeding season, they produce softer, more musical notes. When alarmed, they emit a high-pitched 'skeeow' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Moorhens typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which varies by region but often occurs in spring and summer. Courtship involves mutual preening and feeding.
Nests are built by both parents using reeds and other aquatic vegetation, often hidden in dense cover near water. The female lays 5-11 pale buff eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 21 days, and both parents share it. The chicks are precocial, able to leave the nest within days of hatching, but they are cared for by their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While Moorhens are currently listed as Least Concern, they face threats from habitat loss and degradation of wetlands.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats, particularly in urban areas where these birds have adapted to live.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Moorhens along the edges of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers
- The Moorhen most closely resembles the Eurasian Coot, although Coots are larger and have plain black plumage and white bills
- Listen for their distinctive 'kurr-uk' call, especially during early mornings and evenings
- Observe their jerky swimming motion and tail-flicking behaviour
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves or urban parks with water features for reliable sightings
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Moorhens face predation from various animals, including foxes, raccoons, large fish, birds of prey, and snakes. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to corvids and gulls.
Did You Know?
- Moorhens can climb trees and sometimes roost in branches overhanging water.
- They have long toes that help them walk on floating vegetation.
- In some regions, Moorhens practice cooperative breeding, with offspring from previous broods helping to raise new chicks.
FAQs
Can Moorhens fly?
Moorhens can fly, although they are not the most graceful birds out there and prefer to fly longer distances at night.
Is a Moorhen a duck or a bird?
Moorhens are not ducks, although they certainly are birds. Moorhens are members of the Rallidae family, a group that contains other water birds like crakes, rails, and gallinules. Ducks are from the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, geese, and swans.
Why do Moorhens squeak?
Moorhens generally call to communicate with other members of their species. Common scenarios include territory defence or when they are alarmed. Their commonly heard ‘squeak’ call is used for various displays.
Do Moorhens visit gardens?
Moorhens occasionally visit gardens, and some even feed from bird feeders. However, these colourful waterbirds are not common garden birds and are most likely to frequent properties near ponds and other suitable habitats.
How to attract Moorhen
Moorhens are most at home around the water, and this habitat requirement makes them a difficult species to attract for most people. However, if you live up against a river or pond, sprinkling mealworms, wheat, and corn may attract them to feed.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Gallinula chloropus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T62120190A155506651.
View source - 3
report, 2014: Wetlands International
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