Home › Aves › Rallidae › Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Gallinula
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, Asia, Africa
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Ponds, ditches, slow rivers
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Gruiformes
FAMILY
Rallidae
GENUS
Gallinula
📋 Description
SIZE
30-38 cm body length, wingspan 50-55 cm, 200-400 g
COLORATION
Black, red frontal shield and bill
ADAPTATIONS
Long toes, aggressive
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Ponds, ditches, slow rivers
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Asia, Africa
REPRODUCTION
5-11 eggs, 2-3 broods per year
DIET DETAILS
Plants, insects, small fish
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Common Moorhen is a black waterbird with a red frontal shield and bill. It has long toes for walking on floating vegetation.
2
It is noisy and aggressive, often chasing other birds.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Norfolk Broads UK
London parks
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for black birds with red bill and shield in ponds.
