Gallinula tenebrosa
The Dusky Moorhen, *Gallinula tenebrosa*, is a strikingly dark medium-sized waterbird within the rail family (Rallidae), measuring 32-38 cm in length with a wingspan of 55-65 cm and weighing 300-500g. Its most distinctive features include a slate-grey to black plumage, contrasting sharply with a prominent bright red frontal shield and a red bill tipped with yellow. Identification is further aided by bright yellow-green legs and feet, and conspicuous white undertail coverts that flash as it bo...
Primarily inhabiting freshwater wetlands, the Dusky Moorhen favors areas with dense emergent vegetation such as reeds, rushes, and sedges, along the margins of ponds, lakes, swamps, and slow-moving rivers, typically found at low to moderate elevations.
The Dusky Moorhen is an omnivorous feeder, consuming a diverse diet of aquatic vegetation, seeds, fruits, grass, and a variety of small invertebrates including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, often foraging by dabbling or grazing.
Dusky Moorhens are largely diurnal, with peak activity observed during dawn and dusk, often roosting concealed within dense wetland vegetation at night. They are opportunistic foragers, utilizing a variety of techniques including dabbling at the water surface, picking insects and seeds from float...
The Dusky Moorhen is largely resident across its broad distribution, primarily inhabiting Australasia and parts of Southeast Asia. Its main range includes eastern and southeastern Australia, from northern Queensland south through New South Wales and Victoria, extending into South Australia and so...
Least Concern
- Despite their duck-like appearance and aquatic habits, Dusky Moorhens are not waterfowl but members of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and coots. - They possess remarkable diving abilities, often submerging completely to escape predators or forage for submerged plant matter. - Unlike ...