Common Gallinule

Gallinula chloropus

Local Name: Common Moorhen or Common Gallinule

Status:

Common breeding resident. Numbers of breeding pairs on the rise.

Local Habitat:

Ponds with dense vegetation where they can quickly take cover. Cattails around ponds and marshes are particularly favoured.

Habits:

Nests between March and September, usually two broods. Feeds on pondweed, seeds and insects. Head pumps when swimming.

Commonly Seen:

Spittal Pond, Warwick Pond, Paget Marsh