Common Gallinule

Description:

From the rail family and closely related to the Coots. Around here these water birds are more solitary than Coots. You may spot a small family but not flocks. Head starts as black and fades to gray with the body being brown. White on edge of wings and under tail. Bill and shield are red with yellow tips. Toes are extra long to be able to walk on mud and water plants. They eat mostly snails, vegetation and seeds.

Habitat:

Found mostly in marshes and edges of ponds where they can easily hide in the reeds.