MOORHEN
Gallinula chloropus
DESCRIPTION
The Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) is a medium-sized waterbird known for its distinctive red frontal shield and yellow-tipped bill. It is commonly found in wetlands and is recognized for its agile swimming and walking abilities on floating vegetation.
FUN FACTS
- Moorhens can dive underwater to escape predators | They are known for their loud, distinctive calls | Moorhens can walk on floating vegetation with ease
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild
Average Weight200-400 g
Average Length28-38 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structurepair, often seen in pairs during breeding season but can also be found in small groups outside of it
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Moorhens inhabit freshwater wetlands, including marshes, ponds, and lakes with abundant vegetation. They prefer areas with dense reeds and emergent plants for nesting and foraging.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Freshwater
- Native Range
- Moorhens are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of North America.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia, Africa, North America
- Countries
- United Kingdom, France, India, United States, South Africa
- Diet
- Moorhens are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, seeds, insects, and small aquatic animals. They often forage in shallow waters and along the edges of ponds and marshes.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic plants, seeds, insects
- Social Structure
- pair, often seen in pairs during breeding season but can also be found in small groups outside of it
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-10
- Territorial
- 1
LC
VU
200-400 g
Weight
28-38 cm
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown body with a distinctive red frontal shield and yellow bill
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 4-8
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Moorhen has a stable population in many areas, though local declines may occur due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and predation by introduced species. Wetland drainage and urban development also impact their populations.
- Predators
- foxes, raccoons, birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- Moorhens rely on their ability to hide in dense vegetation and can also swim quickly to escape predators.
- Compatible Animals
- ducks, coots, other waterfowl
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon