187. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

Moorhens are a very common and familiar resident of ponds, lakes, canals and rivers. They are resident across the UK and western Europe; further east and north they are migratory. Both sexes look similar; they are easily recognisable in adult plumage with their red bill that looks like it's been dipped in yellow paint, long yellow-green legs, white line along the flanks and white undertail which contrast with the rest of its dark plumage. Juveniles are browner, pale on the throat and lack the colourful bill.

Moorhen, ©K. C. Hung, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Moorhen painting.

My Moorhen is chunkier and less stretched out than the one in the photo, I think that is OK though! Shame I couldn't get the plumage looking so smooth.