The common moorhen, also known as the waterhen, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World, across Africa, Europe, and Asia. It lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests; generally it is one of the most common Old World rail species, together with the Eurasian coot in some regions.
Region
Old World (Europe, Africa and Asia)
Typical Environment
Common moorhens inhabit well-vegetated freshwater and brackish wetlands including marshes, ponds, ditches, canals, rice paddies, and slow-flowing rivers. They favor areas with emergent vegetation such as reeds, rushes, and sedges that provide cover and nesting sites, with adjacent open water for foraging. They also use urban parks and garden lakes where disturbance is moderate and shoreline vegetation persists. In winter they may shift to larger, unfrozen water bodies and flooded fields. They avoid dense closed-canopy rainforest and the coldest polar regions.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Common moorhens are adaptable rails often seen walking rather than swimming, flicking their white undertail coverts as they move. They sport a distinctive red bill with a yellow tip and a red frontal shield, which can intensify in color during breeding. They build floating or concealed nests in dense waterside vegetation and may raise multiple broods. Some populations are resident while others move south or to lower elevations in winter.
Common moorhen feet have no webbing.
Temperament
wary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and fluttering over water
Social Behavior
Typically pairs or small family groups hold territories in the breeding season, with both sexes sharing nest building and incubation. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation or on floating platforms; multiple clutches may be attempted. Outside breeding, they may gather loosely at productive wetlands and tolerate conspecifics at feeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp clucks, squeaks, and abrupt squawks, often given in contact or alarm. Repertoire features repeated ‘krruk’ and ‘kik’ notes and a variety of chattering calls, especially at dawn and dusk.
