Gallinula chloropus - Moorhen
Feather characters. Barbules are short (0.51-0.68 mm) and divided into partly pigmented internodes and heavily pigmented nodes. The amount of pigment in the internodes may vary. Vase-shaped nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (24-26 per mm), abruptly decreasing in size distally. Villi are absent and internodes are straight. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum.
Field characters. Size 32-35 cm. Weight: male 340 g (186-493), female 265 g (146-375) (Dunning, 1993). A blackish waterbird which differs from Coot in smaller size, red frontal shield at base of bill, red bill with yellow point, white line along top of flanks. Has conspicuous white under tail-coverts, divided by black down the centre, which are exhibited by its habit of constantly flicking the tail. Legs bright yellow-green. During swimming, head nods characteristically at each push of feet; rises with some effort and "runs" over the water surface for some distance. Juvenile browner than adult, with chin and throat white, and bill and shield green-brown.
Voice. Common call is a sharp, croaking "currc" and "kittick".
Distribution. Very common resident and summer visitor. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Exploits a wide range of freshwater habitats such as lakes and rivers with cover, canals, ditches, town parks, and moorlands; may feed on grassland but always in the vicinity of cover and water.
Food. Feeds while swimming, or by walking on floating plants or on meadows, grasslands, etc. Food usually obtained by dipping head under water. Takes plant and animal material in varying proportions.