Moorhens are blackish with a red and yellow beak and long, green legs. Seen closer-up, they have a dark brown back and wings and a more bluish-black belly, with white stripes on the flanks.
Key ID Features
Short, bright red bill, extending onto forehead, with yellow tip.
Rich brown back with greyish head.
Slate grey underside with diagonal white stripe on flanks.
Bold white patch under tail, seen when cocked.
Green legs and long green splayed toes.
Overview
Scientific name: Gallinula chloropus
Family: Rails (Rallidae)
Where to see them:
Around any pond, lake, stream or river, or even ditches in farmland. Moorhens can live in cities as well as the countryside. In the UK they breed in in lowland areas, especially in central and eastern England. They're scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far.
Seen in UK:
Any time of year, and any time of day. You might even hear them calling at night.
What they eat
Water plants, seeds, fruit, grasses, insects, snails, worms and small fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Blashford Lakes, Hampshire
Photographer: Tim Tapley
