Gallinula chloropus
The Common Gallinule is a Coot like water bird that is of the same species as the Eurasian common Moorhen although there is discussion to seperate the New World species from the others.
It is part of the family Rallidae and as such is associated with water.
this is a medium to large rail and overall length is about 30cm. The plumage is overall black with a white vent, large red shield above red bill with yellow tip. There is also white streaking on the flanks.
Legs are greenish/yellow with a red garter.
Male and female are similar and juveniles are much browner and lack the red shield.
Common Gallinule showing red Garter
