Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus Also known as common moorhen is a member of family Rallidae. These birds are found near freshwater bodies, wetlands. They are dark gray to almost black in color with a duller chin and throat region they have bright green-yellow colored legs. Their bill is bright red and partly yellow at the tip, Wings are dirty green in color, their average body weight is about 315gms and life span about 8years. They breed April to August lay the eggs on nests made of hydrophytic plants, scraps etc. They feed on almost anything found in waterbodies, especially Water hyacinth leaves/flowers and crustaceans, molluscs etc. Hence, they are omnivores.