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.
