Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

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18 recent observations

Brief #

Distinctive species, with dark plumage apart from the white undertail, yellow legs and a red frontal shield.

Synonyms #

  • Gallineta común (Spanish)
  • Galiña de río (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Moorhen is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

A distinctive species, with dark plumage apart from the white undertail, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. The young are browner and lack the red shield. The frontal shield of the adult has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides; the tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is a smooth waving line.

Measurements #

Length: 30 - 38 cm
Wingspan: 50 - 62 cm
Weight: 192 - 500 g

Similar species #