25-1-2016 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA -EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

Moorhens are blackish with a red and yellow beak and 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.

Moorhen is type of waterfowl that belongs to the rail family. There are around 10 species of moorhen that can be found all over the world except in the extremely cold (polar) and warm (tropical) areas. Moorhen inhabits marshes and areas near the streams and ponds. Habitat destruction (draining of the wetlands) and uncontrolled killing have already resulted in the extinction of some species of moorhen. The most popular and best-known species of moorhen, common moorhen, is still numerous and widespread in the wild.

Moorhen can reach 12 to 15 inches in length and 7 to 14 ounces of weight.

Moorhen has bluish black plumage on the breast, head and neck, dark brown plumage on the back and wings and white plumage on the rump. Flanks are covered with white stripes.

Moorhen has red bill with yellow tip, short, rounded wings and strong legs with long fingers which facilitate movement across the uneven substrate (that is typical for the wetlands).

Moorhen is also known as "swamp chicken" because of the chicken-like shape and size of the body.

Moorhen is an omnivore. Its diet is based on the insects, spiders, snails, worms, fish, fruit, berries and seed.

Moorhen is social birds. It lives in the flocks of 15 to 30 birds outside the mating season. Dominant male is usually the leader of the group.

Natural enemies of moorhens are wild cats, large dogs, coyotes, foxes, dingoes and reptiles.