Moorhen, Common

Conservation status:

Resident Breeder

Description:

A dark waterhen with prominent red bill and shield, white flank line and constantly flirting tail, exhibiting white undertail-coverts both when walking and swimming. Swims with vigorous nodding movements and body stooped forward unlike Coot. Juvenile paler, grey-brown with dark bill, and distinguished from young Coot by white flank line and undertail pattern. Swims often but seeks cover more than Coot. Often runs over water surface when disturbed.