Moorhen

Moorhen, or Water-hen (Gallinulachloropus), a common British Rail, with a wide range in Europe, Africa, and Asia, having close allies in America and Australia. The total length is about a foot; the general plumage is olive-brown and purplish-grey, with some small patches of white. These birds frequent ponds and streams, generally nesting in the flags and reeds on the banks. They swim and dive well and feed on aquatic vegetation, worms, molluscs, and small fish.