Key information
Moorhens are blackish with a red and yellow beak and long, green legs. Seen closer-up, they have a dark brown back and wings and a more bluish-black belly, with white stripes on the flanks.
What they eat:
Water plants, seeds, fruit, grasses, insects, snails, worms and small fish.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 32-35cm
- Wingspan:
- 50-55cm
- Weight:
- 250-400g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 270,000 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 330,000 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Moorhen (adult)

Moorhen (juvenile)
