The Tristan moorhen or Tristan gallinule is an extinct species of flightless rail endemic to the South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha. It was very similar to the Gough moorhen of Gough Island, located 636 kilometres (395 mi) to the southeast.
Region
Tristan da Cunha archipelago, South Atlantic
Typical Environment
Historically confined to the wetlands, boggy moorlands, and dense fern-bush of Tristan da Cunha’s main island. It favored the margins of small ponds, seepages, and damp meadows with thick cover. Tussock grasses and low shrub thickets provided shelter for nesting and foraging. After its extinction, no natural populations remained anywhere within its former range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tristan moorhen (or Tristan gallinule) was a flightless rail endemic to the main island of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic. It closely resembled the Gough moorhen from nearby Gough Island but differed in proportions and reduced wings. It disappeared by the late 19th century, likely due to introduced predators, habitat alteration, and human pressure. A related species from Gough Island was later introduced to Tristan, but it does not represent the original Tristan moorhen.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
flightless; prefers to run swiftly through cover
Social Behavior
Typically observed in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories in dense wetland vegetation. Nests were likely cup-shaped structures hidden in thick cover near water. Pairs probably exhibited strong site fidelity and shared parental duties. Chicks would have been precocial and mobile shortly after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were likely a series of clucks, grunts, and squeaks similar to other moorhens, used to maintain contact in dense cover. Alarm calls were harsher, carrying over short distances in the vegetation.
