English Moorhen Photo from Canterbury
One of my favorite bird sightings in Canterbury, England was of the moorhen - a type of gallinule. In the UK, moorhens are found mostly in southern England, by water.
Known as Gallinula chloropus, these birds love water and are non migratory. They are scarce in Wales and Scotland but are relatively common in lower England. They're also found in Ireland, as well as in the US and Europe.
Moorhens love to eat grasses, insects, fruits and worms. These two were seen by the stream that runs through the center of Canterbury.
Moorhens are game birds. They breed in April, laying 6 or so eggs. The eggs incubate for just under a month, and when hatched, the parents care for the chicks for about 6 weeks, until they can fly and head out on their own.
Gallinule Photos and Information
Encyclopedia of Birds - Descriptions and Photos
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