Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Despite its name, the common moorhen is not a chicken but belongs to the rail family. With its remarkably long toes, it moves skilfully through reeds, across muddy ground and even over floating aquatic plants.

Its courtship behaviour is unusual: female moorhens may compete and fight with each other for males. The males play an active role in incubating the eggs and raising the young. Moorhens often have several broods a year, and older offspring sometimes even help care for their younger siblings.