Gallinula chloropus
Common Moorhen taking refuge on the bank after being chased by a Coot at the Henderson Viewing Ponds
near Las Vegas, NV. © Carol Davis, 3-29-2010
This is the same moorhen feeding along the shore before the coot chased it away. It seemed to be
doing a little seasonal displaying of its colors. © Carol Davis, 3-29-2010
This shot reveals just how much the Common Moorhen and the American Coot resemble one
another. The moorhen is smaller and the coot has a white bill with a little red at the top (called
the shield). Before 2008, I had never seen the Moorhen before (they seem to hide) so it was
a real treat to see these in Nevada. I still have never seen one in Utah although they
are reported occasionally. © Carol Davis, 4-12-08
Home - Utah Wings
Other Home - Amazing Nature