Psilos Bird Photography
Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
In the wild Moorhens are very shy, skulking birds and seldom do you get a chance to get up close and study them. This is different at Wetlands and Wildfowl Trust at Martinmere. There the moorhens are so used to people being around that they are very tame. This year I spent a few months watching and photographing them. This is their story.

Most people think of Moorhens as just plain black birds with red bills that skulk around ponds and lakes. Nothing however could be further from the truth. Next time you spot a moorhen watch it carefully. On a bright day its feathers are an iridescent mix of blue, green and purple that change as the bird moves. Its bill, as seen in the photo above has a scarlet bill with a yellow marbling that is quite beautiful.

The Moorhen is related to the jacanas and lilly trotters of Africa. Their long toes are ideal for walking across floating vegeation on the surface of ponds where they prefer to breed.
As with all other birds the Moorhen takes good care of its feathers. They begin by taking a bath. Then they spend hours preening their feathers. Being a waterbird it is crucially important that they keep their feathers well waterproofed.

All their efforts feeding and getting themselves in good condition is all done with one goal in mind. To reproduce - to bring up a family. Mating is a very quick affair and is done with the least bit of decorum and, as I have found often at my feet.

Then the serious business of building a nest begins......
All photos copyright © Annette Cutts 2004