Dusky Moorhen

Monday 14 May, 2012

The Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa) is a dark grey and black water bird with a red facial shield and a yellow tipped bill. An adult bird is usually 35-38cm. Young birds are duller brown colour.

They are found throughout Victoria and Eastern and South-western Australia. The Dusky Moorhen lives in wetlands, swamps and rivers and artificial waterways.  It builds a shallow platform nest made of reeds and other water plants.

Dusky Moorhens feed on algae, wetland plants, grasses, seeds and invertebrates.

Two or more females lay their eggs in the same nest and all members of the group help to incubate the eggs and feed the young.

For further information

Birds in Backyards

References

Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.

Attenborough, D. 1998 The Life of Birds. BBC Books, London.