BirdTab LogoBirdTab

Eurasian Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
Eurasian Moorhen, photographed by Alexis Lours

Photo: Alexis Lours · Wikimedia · CC-BY 4.0 (licence)

Add to my checklistRange map and sightings on eBird

Call and song

About the Eurasian Moorhen

Distinctive dark waterbird that resembles a cross between a duck and a chicken. Adults have a bright red bill with a yellow tip, while immatures have a duller bill and legs. Note big white oval patches under the tail, and white streaks along the flanks. Inhabits fresh and brackish marshes, on ponds, lakes, and along slow-moving watercourses with bordering vegetation. Smaller and more retiring than coot, and rarely far out on open water. Swims with jerky motion and walks with stealthy gait, the tail often slightly cocked; does not usually dive. Gives a variety of loud, somewhat frog-like calls.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 162 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

More rails, gallinules, and coots