A bird of freshwater marshes and plateau woodlands. Its long toes help spread its weight when it walks on mud or floating plants, so it does not sink. It rarely flies or perches in trees, preferring to walk or swim. Moorhen pairs defend a territory, keeping others out; sometimes birds fight at the edge of two territories. Older chicks may stay on in the territory to help raise new broods of chicks. The adults have a loud call that you may hear even when they are hidden in dense vegetation. In the past, people ate moorhens and this, along with the loss of their wetland habitat, has made them rarer.
The Moorhen can breed up to nine times a year, laying up to eight eggs each time, but most of the chicks die before reaching adulthood. They eat water plants, seeds, fruit, grasses, insects, snails and worms. They swallow a lot of sand and gravel, perhaps to help them grind up their food. While swimming, they may dip their heads underwater. Sometimes, they up-end completely to reach some titbit deep in the water. They also forage on land, grazing on grass, but keeping near cover.
Facts:
Scientific Name: Gallinula chloropus
Creole name: Pouldo
Wingspan: 50-55cm
Population in Seychelles: Unknown
World Distribution: Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America.
Distribution in Seychelles: Breeds on most large or medium-sized islands, but is most successful on predator-free islands such as Aride, Cousin and Cousine. Also on Denis.
Habitat: Freshwater marshes and dense vegetation.
Nests: In dense marginal marsh vegetation.
Eggs: 4-8, sandy and speckled with dark brown.
Diet: Insects, worms and snails, seeds and leaves.
Identification: A black bird with red, yellow-tipped bill, yellow-green legs and large feet.
See more
Species Fact Sheet at BirdLife Data Zone
(Photo credit: Peter Chadwick)