Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Gruiformes · Rallidae
About
The common moorhen, also known as the waterhen, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World, across Africa, Europe, and Asia. It lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests; generally it is one of the most common Old World rail species, together with the Eurasian coot in some regions.
Fun Fact
Common moorhens have enormous, lobed toes that distribute their weight like built-in snowshoes, allowing them to walk across floating lily pads and other aquatic vegetation without sinking.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Freshwater wetlands and ponds
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
3-7 years
Threats
- Wetland Drainage
- Dam Construction