Moorhen Bird Facts, Information, Scientific Name, Body Features & More
Let us get introduced to a Bird that resides in a waterbody and has a unique, distinctive organ that helps in defence, protection from heat, etc.
- Name– Common Moorhen, Waterhen.
- Scientific name– Gallinula chloropus
- Size– 38 cm
Distribution -Moorhens are found in Asia, Africa, North America and Europe. They will travel to China from Europe when the lake freezes in the Winter season.
Habitat– Moorhen lives in Freshwater lakes, Swamps, Wetlands, Rivers Ponds, etc. They reside in the waterbody that exists in Tropical and Temperate climatic regions. The Waterbody that consists of Floating vegetation and plants are preferred by Moorhen.
Appearance –
Moorhen is Black. The wings and the tail feathers are slightly Brownish and White. Moorhens have a body part known as the ‘ Frontal Shield’. The Frontal Shield is in red colour that extends from the beak near the head region. Frontal Shield is made up of Protein which has the function of Protection from Heat. It absorbs heat. Young Birds don’t have frontal shield growth.The bright red colour also helps in attracting mates. The tip of the beak is Yellow. Legs are Yellow,long to walk and swim on vegetation.
They live in Solitude apart from the Mating season and hide in the vegetation when sensinga Threat.
Diet–
Common Moorhen lives and feeds on Water floating vegetation. They also feed on the fauna that resides in the same vegetation, such as Fish, Insects, Frogs, snails, etc.
Mating–
The breeding season of Moorhen is from March to May. The birds become strictly Territorial. It means they confine themselves to one area of the waterbody that includes vegetation. Males can fight each other and warm each other with about the owned territory by displaying the bright red frontal shield. These Birds are Monogamous, they have one mate for several years.
Nest–
The Nest is the arrangement of branches, Shrubs, and Leaves on the water vegetation. It is in the shape of a Cup, built by both Parents. The female lays 8 eggs. The eggs are incubated by both Parents. The eggs hatch after 3 weeks. The young birds are ‘Precocial’, in which they are independent in the terms of walking and eating on their own, however, food is hunted and provided by both parents for atleast 50 days. The young Moorhens can be on their own, after 50 days and fledge from the Nest.
Ecological Importance–
The Moorhen Birds are Omnivore Birds. It means they feed upon plant matter as well as hunt animals. Hence they control the overgrowth of the population and maintain the Ecosystem.
Also See: More Birds and Details