Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Moorhen

Moorhen

Quick Facts

Classification

Scientific name:

Gallinula chloropus

Family:

Rails, crakes and coots

Conservation status:

Green

Measurements

Length:

32cm to 35cm

Wingspan:

50cm to 55cm

Weight:

250g to 400g

About Moorhens

Moorhens - often referred to as marsh hens - are medium-sized water bird part and part of the crane family. They have long green legs, red and yellow beaks and are blackish all over. Upon closer inspection, moorhens do have dark brown back and wings, white stripes on their flanks and a blueish belly.

What does a Moorhen eat?

Their diets consist of small fish, insects, water plants, fruit, grasses, seeds, snails and worms.

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Other birds in the Rails, crakes and coots family

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