Common Moorhen

33 cm (13") Common. Fresh water marshes, ponds, and along the edges of lakes.

Duck-like bird with a yellow-tipped chicken-like red bill; red forehead shield; uniform black to dark gray head and body; thin white line stripe along side; white and black undertail - white edged but black central undertail; yellow legs and feet.

Long toes allow it to walk on floating vegetation. Pumps head while swimming.

Song: croaking.