Common gallinule

Description:

12-15 inch rail type water bird with an overall black appearance to the feathers with a bright red beak and forehead covering. With a 3-4 inch long juvenile with cartilage top not visible.

Habitat:

Manmade swampy everglade area. This individual was on a shallow area covered with plant material.

Notes:

Again a very common and widespread Florida species but took this shot because of the very visible cartilaginous top of the head of the baby.