Looking for the legacy site? Click here

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus


Duck Like

Common Moorhen thumbnail
Length: 13 in. (33 cm )

One of the most widespread species in the world, the Common Moorhen occurs not only in North America but also South America, Eurasia and Africa. It swims duck-like but constantly bobbing its head while moving. This relative of the rails occupies freshwater marshes and ponds with cattails and other aquatic vegetation. The nest is located on a shallow platform of dead cattails, rushes, and other marsh plants, usually a few inches above water level. Young of the first brood help raise young of the following broods. They eat small insects, tadpoles, fruits, and seeds, and their long toes enable them to both swim in water or walk on floating marsh vegetation. Males often build several nests on the pair\'s territory, and in the non-breeding season, they use these extra nests as places to spend the night.

The four-digit banding code is COMO.


You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/common-moorhen-0

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Common Moorhen
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
  • Date accessed:
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/common-moorhen-0

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 21:07). Common Moorhen. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/common-moorhen-0

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Common Moorhen". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/common-moorhen-0

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Common Moorhen". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/common-moorhen-0

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
How does eye color get passed from parents to children?

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

Share this page