Common Moorhen
Common Moorhen
15
1 day ago
D
+14
The Common Moorhen is a familiar waterbird found in wetlands worldwide. It has a distinctive red frontal shield and bill with a yellow tip, and dark slate-grey plumage with white flank stripes and undertail coverts.
Where to spot
Nearly cosmopolitan, found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Inhabits a wide range of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, canals, and marshes, often near human settlements.
How to spot
Look for its dark body, white stripe on the flanks, and the bright red frontal shield and yellow-tipped bill. Its bobbing head motion while swimming is a key identification feature. Listen for its varied calls, including a sharp 'kruk' and a softer 'kurr'.
When to spot
Resident year-round in most areas. Can be observed throughout the day, though often more active in the morning and late afternoon. Breeding season (spring to summer) offers opportunities to see family groups.
Where to spot
Nearly cosmopolitan, found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Inhabits a wide range of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, canals, and marshes, often near human settlements.
How to spot
Look for its dark body, white stripe on the flanks, and the bright red frontal shield and yellow-tipped bill. Its bobbing head motion while swimming is a key identification feature. Listen for its varied calls, including a sharp 'kruk' and a softer 'kurr'.
When to spot
Resident year-round in most areas. Can be observed throughout the day, though often more active in the morning and late afternoon. Breeding season (spring to summer) offers opportunities to see family groups.
Credits:
Nennieinszweidrei
Credits:
Nennieinszweidrei
Credits:
Nennieinszweidrei
Credits:
Nennieinszweidrei
Credits:
Nennieinszweidrei
Credits:
Alfred_Grupstra
Credits:
By Alexis Lours - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113179548
Moorhens are known for their jerky head-bobbing motion while swimming, which helps them balance and track their position in the water.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 9699 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 1 day ago
45 observations
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