Common Moorhen

Common Moorhen
Photo credit: Jimmy Jackson
- Gallinula chloropus -

One of the most common rail species, marsh birds with stubby upturned tails and short rounded wings. Present year-round in Texas. Common in well vegetated freshwater marshes, canals and ponds. Becoming rare from much of its interior range. Black head and neck with red forehead shield and red bill with yellow tip. Back brownish olive with white along the flanks.

Wingspan: 22 inches
Length: 14 inches
Weight: 8-17 oz