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Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae Chick Type : Subprecocial (Parental attendance and some parental nourishment) Common Moorhens (aka Common Gallinules) are found throughout the eastern half of the United States during the warm months. They winter in the southern U.S. border from North Carolina all the way west to southern California. Unlike Purple Gallinules, Moorhens are only found in freshwater habitats. Most of their diet consists of plant matter, such as seeds, fruits & leaves of aquatic plants, but invertebrates are also taken. Nests are build on aquatic vegetation and clutch size is usually around half a dozen to a dozen cinnamon colored eggs. Incubation time is 18-21 days. Common Moorhen have really long toes, which helps them walk on aquatic vegation. America Coots and Common Moorhens can be easily identified from a distance from the way they "bob" their head while swimming. This species is fairly common throughout its range, but there has been reports that it is declining in many areas. It is considered endangered in Connecticut. |
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