Common moorhen
The Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) is a bird in the Rail family with an almost worldwide distribution. It is often called the "Common Waterhen", especially in the British Isles[citation needed], and this is a more descriptive name because the bird lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals, etc., and is usually not found in moorland. Another name, popular in the USA, is Common Gallinule. The bird is not found in the polar regions, or many tropical rainforests. But elsewhere the Common Moorhen is likely the most commonly seen Rail species to most people, excepting the Coot in some regions.This is a common breeding bird in marsh environments and well-vegetated lakes. Populations in areas where the waters freeze, such as southern Canada, the northern USA and eastern Europe, will migrate to more temperate climes. This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes upending in the water to feed. It is often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the Common Moorhen remains plentiful and widespread.
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Canon 6D, Sigma 70-300 at 300mm, ƒ6.3, 1/400, ISO 640
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