Common Moorehen

Description:

Also known as Common Gallinule http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Commo... Dark, with white flank stripe. Red bill and forehead. Swims on surface of water like a duck. Bill triangular like a chicken's, not flat like a duck's. White stripe on sides of undertail.

Habitat:

Freshwater or brackish marshes with tall emergent vegetation, ponds, canals, and rice fields.

Notes:

This was taken while floating down the Wacissa River in a rubber boat. Momma made sure her chicks were not far behind as they swam past to hide in the tall grasses.