Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus

Common MoorhenDespite its name, the Common Moorhen is in fact Rare in the Chicagoland Area and Lake County, where this bird was seen today. In fact, this bird was at Rollins Savanna this morning and judging by the number of juvenile Moorhen around, successfully breeding.

Illinois is at the far northern end of the moorhen's breeding range. The population is dropping largely because there are fewer and fewer suitable habitats for it to breed. This was the first one I have seen in Illinois although I have seen them elsewhere before today.

The Common Moorhen, like other gallinules does not have webbed feet but is nevertheless quite a good swimmer - as can be seen in this picture. The red 'shield' on the head and otherwise dark and contrasty color of the bird mean this is an adult breeding plumage bird. In the non-breeding season, they lose much of their color.