How to identify the Eurasian Moorhen

To correctly identify the Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

30-38 cm

Wingspan

50-55 cm

Weight

190-490 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have dark slate-grey to black plumage on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with a brownish-olive back and wings. A prominent white stripe runs along the flanks, and the undertail coverts are white with a central black stripe. The primary flight feathers are dark brown.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   The bill is conical and bright red, with a distinct yellow tip. A prominent red frontal shield extends from the base of the bill onto the forehead.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark red to reddish-brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Legs and feet are greenish-yellow, often with a reddish tinge on the upper leg, especially during breeding season. The long toes are not webbed, but have broad lobes for swimming.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of the bright red frontal shield and bill with a yellow tip, the white flank stripe, and the white undertail coverts with a central black stripe are key distinguishing features.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller and browner overall, lacking the bright red frontal shield and bill. Their plumage is more grey-brown, with a paler throat and belly. The bill is dull greenish-brown, and the legs are dull green. The white flank stripe is less distinct, and the undertail coverts are buffy-white without the prominent black stripe.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   There are no significant seasonal plumage changes in adults, though the intensity of the red on the bill and frontal shield may be more vibrant during the breeding season.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though males tend to be slightly larger and heavier. The frontal shield may appear slightly larger and brighter in males during the breeding season.

Key field marks

• Plumage. Look for the dark slate-grey to black body, brownish back, and the distinctive white stripe along the flanks.
• Bill and Frontal Shield. The bright red bill with a yellow tip and the prominent red frontal shield are unmistakable adult features.
• Undertail Coverts. Observe the white undertail coverts with a central black stripe, especially when the bird flicks its tail.
• Legs and Feet. Note the greenish-yellow legs and feet, which are not fully webbed but have long toes for walking on vegetation and swimming.
• Behavior. Watch for its characteristic head-bobbing while swimming or walking, and its tendency to flick its tail, revealing the undertail pattern.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its sharp, explosive 'krrruk' or 'kik-ik-ik' calls, often given from dense cover.

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