The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) is a medium-sized waterbird that is found in wetlands across much of the world. Here is a quick overview of where you can find common moorhens:
North America
Common moorhens are found throughout much of North America. Their breeding range extends across southern Canada and the United States. Some key areas where they can be found include:
- Throughout the central and eastern United States
- Along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to Baja California
- Along the Gulf of Mexico coastline
- In wetlands across the interior western states
Moorhens inhabit freshwater marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and wet meadows. Some of the best places to spot them include:
- The Prairie Pothole Region of the upper Midwest
- Wetlands along the Mississippi Flyway
- The Great Salt Lake marshes in Utah
- Mountain marshes in the west
Central and South America
The common moorhen also inhabits wetlands throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America. Key areas include:
- Lowland wetlands from Mexico south through Costa Rica
- Throughout the Caribbean islands
- Widespread in wetlands across South America east of the Andes
- Southern parts of Chile and Argentina
Some prime habitat can be found in locations such as:
- The Pantanal wetlands in Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia
- Llanos grasslands of Venezuela and Colombia
- Coastal lagoons and mangroves from Mexico to Argentina
Europe and North Africa
The common moorhen has an extensive range across Europe and North Africa. Key areas include:
- Widespread across mainland Europe
- Throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland
- Mediterranean regions of southern Europe and North Africa
Some top wetlands to find them include:
- Camargue wetlands of southern France
- Po Delta in Italy
- Danube Delta in Romania
- Coto Doñana wetlands in Spain
- Wetlands across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia
Africa
The common moorhen can be found across much of sub-Saharan Africa in suitable wetland habitat. Key regions include:
- Scattered populations across West Africa
- Widespread in the wetlands of East Africa
- In wetlands across a southern swath of the continent
Some prime wetland habitats are found in:
- Okavango Delta in Botswana
- Lakes of the East African Rift Valley
- Niger River inland delta in Mali
- Coastal wetlands of Madagascar
Middle East and Asia
Moorhens can be found widely albeit patchily across southern Asia and the Middle East. Key areas include:
- Scattered wetlands from Turkey through Iraq and Iran
- Indian subcontinent from Pakistan through India, Nepal, and Bhutan
- Southeast Asia including Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia
- Philippines, Japan, and eastern China
Some excellent wetlands to spot them are:
- Tigris-Euphrates marshlands in Iraq
- Keoladeo National Park in India
- Tonle Sap lake and wetlands in Cambodia
- Cao Hai wetland in Vietnam
Australia and Pacific Islands
In Australia and Oceania, the moorhen can be found in suitable wetlands including:
- Scattered populations across New Guinea
- Southeastern and southwestern Australia
- New Zealand
- Pacific islands such as New Caledonia and Fiji
Some key wetlands include:
- Kakadu National Park wetlands in northern Australia
- The Murray-Darling river system wetlands
- Ulva Island in New Zealand
Habitats
Across their extensive range, common moorhens inhabit freshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, rice paddies, and similar wetland environments. They favor sites with ample aquatic vegetation to provide food and cover.
When and Where to See Them
Moorhens can be found year-round throughout much of their range. However, they are somewhat migratory, shifting south in the northern reaches of North America and Eurasia during winter months.
The breeding season lasts from spring through summer. This is often the best time to observe them as they are most active, vocal, and visible. Courtship and territorial displays can readily be observed.
Prime viewing spots include the edge of wetlands where open water borders emergent vegetation. They often walk and swim along these borders while feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, the common moorhen can be found across an incredibly broad range spanning six continents. They inhabit freshwater wetlands of nearly all types. The breeding season provides great viewing opportunities across their range. With a bit of exploration, these distinctive waterbirds can be observed in wetlands across much of the world.
