Photo Credit: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

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Description: The Common Moorhen, often referred to as the Common Gallinule, measures about 14 inches in length. Chicken-like in appearance, it has a black head and neck, dark gray body, and brown wings and back. The wings are flanked with white feathers. It has a conspicuous red plate on the forehead and a short, red bill tipped with yellow. The Common Moorhen has long, green feet and toes which enable it to walk on soft mud or on vegetation at the surface of the water.

Diet: Grass seeds, insects, and snails.

Range: Although the Common Moorhen breeds throughout the eastern United States and in parts of the southwest, it is extremely local. Only in Florida, the Gulf coast, and in parts of California is the Common Moorhen actually common. The Common Moorhen also breeds throughout much of Mexico, the Caribbean islands, central America and South America.

Habitat: Freshwater or brackish marshes with ample vegetation, rice fields, and canals.

Status: The Common Moorhen is still very common in parts of Florida and the Gulf coast, but is actually listed as a threatened species in many northern states.