Gallinule

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Gallinule is a common name for some marsh-dwelling birds of the RAIL family (Rallidae), now also known as moorhens. Three genera, with around 14 species, occur worldwide. Several island-dwelling species are becoming rare.

The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) breeds in a small area in southeastern Ontario and nearby Québec and has occurred in Manitoba. The purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) breeds in the southeastern US southward; its occurrence in eastern Canada is only casual.

The common moorhen resembles the COOT but has a bright red bill and forehead, green legs and lobeless toes. Like the coot, it pumps its head when swimming.

Like coots, gallinules are often colonial; their nests are similar. The gallinule lays 9-12 buff eggs spotted with dark brown. Common moorhens often betray their presence by loud, henlike cackling.

Gallinule
Gallinule
Also called the common moorhen, the gallinule breeds in a small area of southeastern Ontario and nearby Québec (artwork by Claire Tremblay).
Gallinule Distribution
Gallinule Distribution

Author E. KUYT


Links to Other Sites
All About Birds
Search this online bird identification guide for information on specific bird species found in North America. Click on the dynamic map of eBird sightings for a magnified view. From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the US.

Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

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