A resident breeder found around my patch pond is the [Common] Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
A member of the Rallidae family with its distinctive long toes that enable it to walk on water, when frozen, and on waterside vegetation. Generally quite secretive although can be very bold in some locations and often utters an explosive bubbling or gargling call when it reveals its presence.
A very nervous species that frequently twitches its tail revealing the v-shaped white sides to the undertail coverts. Known by various names including Common Waterhen, Marsh Hen and River Chicken.
Linking to I'D-Rather-B-Birdin' and Wild Bird Wednesday.
a favorite bird I would love to get this close too. Gorgeous images :)
ReplyDeleteLovely reflection. Amazing how colourful their beaks are in contrast to their black and white feathers!
ReplyDeleteVery smart looking they are too. Great images Frank.
ReplyDeleteLove that colourful bill! Great shots Frank.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos ,nette
ReplyDeleteThey are so fascinating! You got some great photos.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. Pretty cool bird full of personality:)
ReplyDeleteNice shots Frank. They are good for action pics this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and it is very interesting to compare that bird with the various moorhens we see out here. Thanks for the latin name - it does help to sort them out!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteI love the way Moorhen's tail Bob up and. Down
ReplyDeleteAt last a bird in your patch that I've actually seen! But have certainly not gotten such good pictures of.
ReplyDeleteFantásticas imágenes Frank, saludos cordiales desde España.
ReplyDeleteWonderful series on the Moorhen! It seems the longer I watch their behavior the more amusing they become.
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