Dusky Moorhen

1. Bright white undertail patches contrasting with dark grey-black plumage

2. Red bill and forehead shield with yellow tip in breeding adults

3. Orange to red legs and feet, visible when walking or swimming

Dusky Moorhens are omnivorous, feeding on algae, seeds, fruits, aquatic plants, insects, worms, molluscs, and occasionally small vertebrates. They forage both on land and in water, sometimes upending to reach food below the surface, but do not fully dive like some other waterbirds. The breeding season runs from August to March, during which they form breeding groups of two to seven birds. All group members help defend territory, build nests, incubate eggs, and care for the young. Multiple females may lay eggs in the same nest, and chicks are semi-precocial, leaving the nest after just a few days but remaining dependent on adults for several weeks.

Dusky Moorhens are widespread in eastern and southwestern Australia, from Cooktown in Queensland to eastern South Australia and the southwest corner of Western Australia. They inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including swamps, creeks, rivers, lagoons, reservoirs, farm dams, and ornamental ponds in urban parks. They prefer wetlands with open water and fringing vegetation such as reeds and rushes, but will also forage on grassy areas near water. These birds are particularly easy to observe in urban parks, where they have become accustomed to people.