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MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

©Nigel Key Moorhen (Slimbridge March 2011)

The Moorhen, also known as Marsh Hen or River Chicken, is a member of the Rallidae family (rail) and is related to the Coot.

Due to their nervous behaviour, twitching tail and neck, they are also sometimes called ‘Skitty Coots’.

The Moorhen has strong legs and long toes and is excellent at walking on soft and uneven surfaces.

   Hear the Moorhen's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
300mm to 350mm (12" to 14")

Appearance - Male
The male has Black plumage with a Brown back, Slate undersides and a White under tail. The bill is Red with a Yellow tip and a Red face shield. The legs and feet are Yellow.

Appearance - Female
Similar to the male.

Habitat
Wetlands, Lakes, Marshland and Vegetated ponds.

Diet
Vegetation, Seeds, Berries, Worms, Snails, Fish and bird eggs.

Breeding Time
Mid March to July.

Nest
The nest is built from twigs on the ground, usually in dense vegetation, near the waterline.

Eggs
Quantity: 5 to 8.
Colour: Off White with Red/Brown markings.











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PHOTOGRAPHS

Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge October 2017) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge November2017) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge September 2018) - pic by Nigel Key
05/10/17 30/11/17 25/09/18
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge October 2016) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge May 2017) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge October 2017) - pic by Nigel Key
05/10/16 26/05/17 05/10/17
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge September 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge May 2016) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge August 2016) - pic by Nigel Key
26/09/15 04/05/16 16/08/16
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
26/07/13 26/07/13 04/09/13
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge May 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
25/05/13 06/07/13 06/07/13
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge May 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
28/07/12 28/07/12 25/05/13
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge July 2012) - pic by Nigel Key
28/07/12 28/07/12 28/07/12
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge October 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge May 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge May 2012) - pic by Nigel Key
01/10/11 26/05/12 26/05/12
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge June 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge August 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge August 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
04/06/11 15/08/11 15/08/11
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge June 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge June 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
25/03/11 04/06/11 04/06/11
Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge September 2008) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge March 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Moorhen (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
01/09/08 24/03/09 25/03/11
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


Coot - www.slim-bridge.co.uk



You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.





LOCATION

Moorhen
Breeding Habitat
UnitedKingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa and Pacific Islands.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
Northern birds winter further south in the Mediterranean in North Africa.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Moorhen
Swan Lake - WWTSlimbridge
© Nigel Key Swan Lake (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Moorhen is generally seen all round Slimbridge.
WWT Slimbridge Map


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl M to R
Maccoa Duck
Madagascar Teal
Magpie Goose
Magellan Goose
Mallard
Mandarin
Marbled Teal
Moorhen
Muscovy Duck
Mute Swan
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Orinoco Goose
Pacific Black Duck
Patagonian Crested Duck
Philippine Duck
Pink-Eared Duck
Pink-Footed Goose
Plumed Whistling Duck
Pochard
Puna Teal
Radjah Shelduck
Red-Billed Teal
Red-Breasted Goose
Red-Crowned Crane
Red-Crested Pochard
Redhead
Red Shoveler
Ring-Necked Duck
Ringed Teal
Ross's Goose
Rosybill
Ruddy Duck
Ruddy-Headed Goose
Ruddy Shelduck