A water hen, also known as a moorhen or gallinule, is a medium-sized waterbird belonging to the rail family, Rallidae. It is characterized by its stout body, short tail, and long toes, which are adapted for walking on aquatic vegetation and floating on water. The water hen typically measures around 30-38 centimeters in length.
Water hens are commonly found in various habitats including freshwater ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. These birds have distinctive plumage, featuring a dark brown or black body, with a white undertail and undertail coverts. They possess a red and yellow bill and a prominent red frontal shield.
Water hens are primarily herbivorous in nature, feeding on a diet consisting of various aquatic plants, seeds, and fruits. They also consume invertebrates and small fish, especially during nesting season. These omnivorous birds are known for their ability to swim, float, and dive.
During the breeding season, water hens build nests made of vegetation close to the water's edge, often concealed within dense reeds or vegetation. Females usually lay a clutch of 6-12 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The chicks hatch after approximately three weeks and are precocial, meaning they are able to leave the nest soon after hatching.
Overall, water hens are highly adaptable birds that have successfully colonized various aquatic habitats around the world. They play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem by controlling vegetation growth, dispersing seeds, and acting as a food source for predators.
