The stealthy water bird with striking red and yellow features glides through reeds, equally at home in city parks and remote wetlands.

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

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 40
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 60
Endurance 70

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 15 years
0
4
9
13
17

years

The Moorhen typically lives for 3 to 15 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

5,000,000 - 9,999,999 individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

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

Other names:

Common Moorhen, Waterhen

Family:

Rallidae

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?

  1. Moorhens can climb trees and sometimes roost in branches overhanging water.
  2. They have long toes that help them walk on floating vegetation.
  3. In some regions, Moorhens practice cooperative breeding, with offspring from previous broods helping to raise new chicks.

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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. 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
  2. 3

    report, 2014: Wetlands International