
Moorhens, or marsh hens, are medium-sized water birds in the rail family (Rallidae), mostly belonging to the genus Gallinula, meaning “little hen.” They are closely related to coots and sometimes called black gallinules.
Moorhens are primarily brown and black with some white plumage and are more visible than many rails, typically feeding in open water margins. They have short wings and are weak flyers, with some species migrating up to 2,000 km, while others, like the Gough moorhen, are nearly flightless. Moorhens excel at walking on soft surfaces, have long toes, and are omnivorous, feeding on plants, small rodents, amphibians, and eggs. They are territorial during breeding but often form large flocks in vegetated lakes.