North American Common Gallinule

Description:

The Gallinule has dark plumage apart from the white undertail, yellow legs and a red facial shield. The young are browner and lack the red shield. It has a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened.

Habitat:

It lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions, or many tropical rainforests. This one was observed at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge near Hardeeville, SC

Notes:

The Common Gallinule is likely the most commonly seen rail species in much of North America, excepting the American Coot in some regions. This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes upending in the water to feed. It is often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the Common Gallinule remains plentiful and widespread. They fight over territories and also hop around Lily pads.