Duck Like

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus
Common Moorhen thumbnail
Length: 13 in. (33 cm )
One of the most widespread species in the world, the Common Moorhen occurs not only in North America but also South America, Eurasia and Africa. It swims duck-like but constantly bobbing its head while moving. This relative of the rails occupies freshwater marshes and ponds with cattails and other aquatic vegetation. The nest is located on a shallow platform of dead cattails, rushes, and other marsh plants, usually a few inches above water level. Young of the first brood help raise young of the following broods. They eat small insects, tadpoles, fruits, and seeds, and their long toes enable them to both swim in water or walk on floating marsh vegetation. Males often build several nests on the pair\'s territory, and in the non-breeding season, they use these extra nests as places to spend the night.

The four-digit banding code is COMO.

Male | Herbert Clarke



Marsh / swamp

Open water
Download Sound
Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
Sonogram Large:
Sonogram Zoom:
Download Sound
Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
Sonogram Large:
Sonogram Zoom:

View Citation

Two wet apples still attached to the tree
When Does a Theory Become a Fact?
Answer >>

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

 

Share to Google Classroom