Species Profile
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
Moorhen
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–15 years
Length
30–38 cm
Weight
192–500 g
Wingspan
50–62 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Common Moorhen, Waterhen
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Appearance
The Moorhen is a distinctive chicken-like water bird with a plump, dark body and a striking red and yellow bill with a red frontal shield. Its upperparts are dark brown to black, while the underside is slightly lighter with white streaks along the flanks.
Both sexes look similar, although females are generally smaller. Juveniles have a duller plumage and a greenish-brown bill. During the breeding season, adults develop brighter bill colours and more prominent white flank stripes.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Red
- Legs
- Green
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Moorhens inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers. They are particularly fond of areas with dense vegetation along the water's edge.
These birds have a widespread distribution across Europe, Asia and Africa. They are common in the UK, especially in lowland areas, adapting well to rural and urban wetland environments. They are scarce or absent from high-lying parts of Scotland, Northern England and Wales.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
Cambridgeshire
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cumbria
Cornwall
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
London
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Moorhens are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates, including worms and small fish. They will also feed on berries, carrion, and occasionally bird eggs.
They often forage by picking food from the water's surface or diving in shallow water. In urban areas, they may supplement their diet with bread and other food offered by humans.
Behaviour
Moorhens are agile swimmers and walkers, often seen nodding their heads while moving. They are generally shy but can become bolder in urban areas.
These birds are territorial during breeding season, with pairs vigorously defending their nesting sites against intruders.
Calls & Sounds
Moorhens have a varied vocal repertoire. Their most common call is a sharp, explosive 'kurr-uk' or 'krruk', often given in rapid succession.
During the breeding season, they produce softer, more musical notes. When alarmed, they emit a high-pitched 'skeeow' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Moorhens typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which varies by region but often occurs in spring and summer. Courtship involves mutual preening and feeding.
Nests are built by both parents using reeds and other aquatic vegetation, often hidden in dense cover near water. The female lays 5-11 pale buff eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 21 days, and both parents share it. The chicks are precocial, able to leave the nest within days of hatching, but they are cared for by their parents for several weeks.
Conservation
While Moorhens are currently listed as Least Concern, they face threats from habitat loss and degradation of wetlands.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats, particularly in urban areas where these birds have adapted to live.
Elevation
Up to 4,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Moorhens face predation from various animals, including foxes, raccoons, large fish, birds of prey, and snakes. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to corvids and gulls.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Moorhens along the edges of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers
- The Moorhen most closely resembles the Eurasian Coot, although Coots are larger and have plain black plumage and white bills
- Listen for their distinctive 'kurr-uk' call, especially during early mornings and evenings
- Observe their jerky swimming motion and tail-flicking behaviour
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves or urban parks with water features for reliable sightings
Did You Know?
- Moorhens can climb trees and sometimes roost in branches overhanging water.
- They have long toes that help them walk on floating vegetation.
- In some regions, Moorhens practice cooperative breeding, with offspring from previous broods helping to raise new chicks.
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