Fauna Flora Photography

Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Lives in well-vegetated marshlands like marshes, lakes and ponds. Wintering South where the lakes aren’t freezing. This species consumes a variety of vegetables and small aquatic creatures.

Specs

Length28-33cm
Weight280-400g
Wingspan50cm

Common Names

GermanTeichralle
EnglishCommon moorhen
FrenchGallinule poule-d'eau
SpanishGallineta común

Taxonomy

OrderGruiformes
FamilyRallidae
SpeciesGallinula chloropus

How to Identify

The frontal shield is a distinguishable characteristic of this species. The bird’s plumage is dark, mostly black, brown wings and a few white feathers on the side.

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) - Parc de la Frayère - 2017-05-27

Where and When to Spot

I observed this species only once, late spring in Park De La Frayere, Boucherville.

Last updated on 2023-12-15. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.