Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus Anhinga Trail, Everglades,
Florida
March 2000 Photographed by: Dana LaVanture
Descriptive Information
- Field marks: dark bird;
red forehead; red bill with yellow tip; white on flank feathers; ducklike
- General habitat: freshwater
marshes, swamps, ponds, and lakes
- Geographic range: Eastern
US and southwest US into Mexico
- Ecosystem(s) where observed:
freshwater marshes and other freshwater areas
Feeding Habits
- The Common Moorhen feeds in
reeds and along the edges of marshes. It pecks like a chicken or swims
and dives like a duck in search of food. Often, it is seen walking
on top of marsh plants searching for seeds, grasses, small snails, and insects.
It is often heard making loud chicken-like sounds while feeding.
Links to Video
(This page developed by: Dana LaVanture)