Want to know where and when to find Common Moorhen? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Common Moorhen in South Africa
About the Common Moorhen
The common moorhen is a medium-sized waterbird associated with freshwater wetlands, ponds, lakes, marshes, rivers and well-vegetated waterways. It has predominantly dark plumage, a bright red and yellow bill and frontal shield, and long greenish legs with long toes. It feeds on aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, worms, small aquatic animals and other available food. It is a capable swimmer and often moves through dense aquatic vegetation while remaining close to cover.
How to identify the Common Moorhen
Medium-sized dark waterbird with a blackish body, white undertail, bright yellow-tipped red bill and a red frontal shield. The legs are greenish-yellow and the toes are long and partially lobed rather than fully webbed.
Did you know?
Common Moorhens can walk across floating vegetation using their long toes and can also swim efficiently, making them equally at home on water and among dense wetland plants.
Also known as: Waterhoender, Moorhen
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Common Moorhen, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.