Common Moorhen

Habitat: The moorhen is found in almost all wet habitats: ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and even relatively fast-flowing watercourses. The presence of vegetation rising out of the water or shrubs hanging over the water surface is essential. The moorhen also occurs on relatively oligotrophic waters and the species is even content with very small ponds with heavily wooded banks. It reaches its highest density in a few park ponds and along narrow canals or irrigation channels.

Appearance: A widespread and common resident bird in Europe, but only a summer visitor in eastern Europe. Rarely found in groups. In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is a fairly numerous to numerous breeding bird, year-round resident, migrant and winter visitor in fairly large to large numbers.

Breeding season: April – August, nest near water, 5 – 11 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 27 – 31 cm, wingspan 50 – 55 cm, weight 250 – 343 grams, age 18 years.

Food: Small animals and plants.