Common moorhen / Teichhuhn (Gallinula chloropus)

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Teichhuhn bei Rapperswil 2021-02-12 12.54.22 Rapperswil
Classification: Genus Gallinula; Family Rails (Rallidae)
This bird appears across the great seas in the following continents: Europe, North America, Africa, Asia.
Seen at the Pfäffikersee walking across the path from one set of reeds to another. An apprentice at the nature center gave us the identification, presuming it was a juvenile because of the lack of color. I'd have said its legs were shorter, but the moorhen definitely has the main trait we saw, that it holds its short tail in the air.
Habitat: Common Moorhens prefer to nest in the thicket on the edge of ponds, lakes or rivers and mostly only give themselves away through their guttural calls. They are easier to observe in winter because then they leave their well-vegetated habitat and are seen in meadows, parks and on open waters. [Link]
Song: Most typical is the territorial call (song); a sharp, loud and resonant "krrrr-ook" or "krrrk". [Link]
Calls: Rich repertoire of loud calls and softer sounds. Other calls; a sharp, three or four-syllable "kekeke", and a soft "wep" sometimes drawn-out in a more mewing version. [Link]
Physical details: length=32-35 cm, wingspan=50-55 cm, weight=240-420 g
Habitats: Wetland

First documented observation : 2021-02-12 in Rapperswil/Jona.

Media


Juvenile moorhen We saw one like this with drab colors. This photo was taken by Andreas Trepte, www.avi-fauna.info. Source: WIKIPEDIA Wikipedia Common moorhen immature.jpg

Adult moorhen Here you see the red-yellow beak and the white-tipped feathers that are so distinctive. This photo was taken by Andreas Trepte, www.avi-fauna.info. Source: WIKIPEDIA Wikipedia Common moorhen adult.jpg

Teichhuhn. 2022-06-04 11.26.16 Kaltbrunner-Riet

Additional Images


Teichhuhn weit weg in Neeracherried. 2023-07-08 18.29.22 Neeracherried

Teichhuhn, beim Jungvogel fehlt das Rot und Gelb am Schnabel. 2021-10-24 13.26.28 Neeracherried

Teichhuhn am Aabach bei der Kulturfabrik. 2021-03-10 08.51.30 Pfäffikersee

Teichhuhn am Aabach bei der Kulturfabrik. 2021-03-10 08.51.30 Pfäffikersee

Teichhuhn am Aabach bei der Kulturfabrik. 2021-03-10 08.50.42 Pfäffikersee