Gallinula chloropus
The moorhen is a reclusive but widespread bird, often seen at the edge of reeds. Although it looks like a coot at first sight, it is smaller and has a more discreet behavior, preferring to swim close to the protection of the vegetation.
Plumage is predominantly black-grey with a fragmented white stripe on the flanks. The most distinctive feature is the red bill with yellow tip, extended by a bright red frontal shield. Legs are greenish with a red "garter" above the joint, and have long, unwebbed toes adapted for walking on floating plants.
Prefers still or slow-flowing water with rich shoreline vegetation. In the Danube Delta it is present on channels, streams and small lakes. Largely resident in Romania, migrating only in very harsh winters.
Swims with a bobbing motion of the head and tail, which is often held raised, exposing the white undertail feathers. Feeds both on the water surface and on land, consuming a variety of plant matter and small invertebrates.
Nests in dense vegetation at the water's edge. Population is stable; the species can colonise even small anthropogenic habitats (parks, ditches) as long as there is sufficient cover vegetation.
Status is LC (Least Concern). Population is stable; the species can colonise even small anthropogenic habitats (parks, ditches) as long as there is sufficient cover vegetation.