How to identify the Common Gallinule

To correctly identify the Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata), 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 (12-15 in)

Wingspan

50-62 cm (20-24 in)

Weight

200-500 g (7.1-17.6 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a dark slate-gray to blackish body plumage, with a brownish wash on the back and wings. The undertail coverts are white, with a prominent black stripe down the center. A distinct white stripe runs along the flanks.

2. 2

   Beak shape

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

   The bill is conical and bright red, tipped with yellow. A prominent, fleshy, bright 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 yellowish-green, often with a reddish tinge on the upper leg, especially during breeding season. The feet are large and unwebbed, but with long toes adapted for walking on floating vegetation.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most distinctive features are the bright red frontal shield and bill with a yellow tip, and the white stripe along the flanks. The white undertail coverts with a central black stripe are also a key field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall, with brownish-gray plumage, a duller, smaller, brownish-red frontal shield and bill, and duller legs. The white flank stripe is less distinct, and the undertail coverts are buffy white without the strong black central stripe.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Plumage does not change significantly between breeding and non-breeding seasons, though the intensity of the red on the frontal shield and legs may be brighter during breeding.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though males may be slightly larger and have a more prominent frontal shield. Differences are subtle and not reliable for field identification.

Key field marks

• Red Frontal Shield and Bill. Look for the distinctive bright red shield on the forehead extending onto the red bill, which has a yellow tip. This is the most reliable field mark for adults.
• White Flank Stripe. Observe the prominent white stripe running along the side of the body, contrasting with the dark plumage. This is visible even when the bird is swimming.
• White Undertail Coverts with Black Stripe. When the bird flicks its tail (a common behavior), notice the white feathers under the tail with a distinct black stripe down the center.
• Legs and Feet. Note the yellowish-green legs and large, unwebbed feet with long toes, adapted for walking on vegetation. The upper leg may show a reddish tinge.
• Behavior. Watch for its characteristic jerky head-bobbing while swimming or walking, and its tendency to hide in dense vegetation when disturbed.

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