Moorhen

A moorhen is a medium-sized water bird that belongs to the rail family (Rallidae).
It has a black and brown plumage, a red bill with a yellow tip, a red frontal shield on its forehead, yellow legs and white streaks on its flanks and under-tail.
It lives in well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands in many parts of the Old World.
It is a close relative of coots and sometimes called a (black) gallinule or a marsh hen.
It is an omnivorous bird that feeds on plant material, small rodents, amphibians and eggs.
It is a territorial bird during the breeding season and builds a large and untidy-looking nest on the water.
It has short rounded wings and is a weak flier, but can migrate long distances at night.
It can also walk well on its long toes that are adapted to soft surfaces.
It makes a variety of gargling calls and hisses when threatened.
It is a common and widespread bird that can even be found in city parks.

Moorhens are medium-sized water birds that belong to the rail family.

They are mostly black and brown with some white markings, yellow legs, and a red bill with a shield on the forehead.

They are also called waterhens, swamp chickens, or gallinules.

Moorhens are found in many parts of the world, except for the polar regions and some tropical rainforests.

They live around marshes, ponds, canals, and other wetlands with plenty of vegetation.

They are not very good flyers, but they can walk well on their strong legs and long toes.

They are omnivorous, eating plant material, small rodents, amphibians, and eggs.

Moorhens are territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, but they can form large flocks in other times.

They make a variety of calls, including gargles, hisses, and clucks.

They build nests on platforms of vegetation near the water, and lay 5 to 13 eggs.

The chicks are brown and lack the red shield of the adults.

Moorhens have several subspecies, some of which are considered separate species by some authorities.

For example, the common gallinule of the Americas has a different shape of the red shield and is now recognized as a distinct species.

Some island populations of moorhens have evolved flightlessness, such as the Gough moorhen and the Tristan moorhen, which are both extinct.

Moorhens are not endangered, but they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, predation, and hunting.

They are also sometimes considered pests by farmers and gardeners, as they can damage crops and plants.

However, they are also beneficial for the ecosystem, as they help control insects and weeds, and provide food for other animals.

Moorhens are interesting and adaptable birds that have a wide distribution and a diverse behavior.

They are known for their distinctive appearance, their vocalizations, their diet, their sociality, and their evolution.

The moorhen is a bird that lives near water in many parts of the world.

It can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia (where it was introduced).

The moorhen prefers habitats with still or slow-flowing water, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps, and ditches.

It also likes to have plenty of aquatic vegetation, which provides food, shelter, and nesting material.

The moorhen is a versatile and adaptable bird, and can also live in urban areas, such as parks and gardens, as long as there is enough water and vegetation.

It can even climb trees and bushes to find food or escape predators.

The moorhen is a bird that lives near water in many parts of the world.

The moorhen is a bird of marsh and lake
With black and brown and white upon its plumage
It has a red shield on its forehead that makes
It look like it is wearing a red hat for courage

It has yellow legs with long and slender toes
That help it walk on soft and uneven ground
It also has a red bill with a yellow tip that shows
It likes to eat both plants and animals it has found

The moorhen is not shy and likes to make some noise
It gargles, hisses, squeaks and clucks with glee
It can be seen in many places, even city parks with boys
But it prefers the wetlands where it can swim and be free

The moorhen is a common bird in many parts of the world
Except the polar regions and the tropics where it's hot
It sometimes migrates to warmer places when it's cold
But it always comes back to its favourite spot