Gallinula chloropus   Moorhen

Gallinula choropus

The Moorhen is known also by other names such as the Swamp Chicken, Marsh Hen, River Chicken or, because of the fact they twitch their rears, Skitty Coot (although it isn't a Coot). It is a member of the Rail family (Rallidae) and is the commonest Rail species in the northern hemisphere. Usually living near rivers, streams or lakes, it doesn't have webbed feet but is adapted to walking on soft surfaces such as mud or some kinds of water vegetation..

Pond on Leasowe Meadows, Wirral, Cheshire 19th June 2007

Added on 19th June 2007, updated 21st Nov 2014