Preferred habitats are those with floating vegetation such as reeds, rushes, grasses and waterlilies. The Dusky Moorhen is found in wetlands, including swamps, rivers, and artificial waterways. The dusky moorhen is a member of the rail family that is common in Australia but a rare vagrant in New Zealand. Join our community of dedicated volunteers that help monitor and collect important data on Australia’s birds. Moorhens—sometimes called marsh hens—are medium-sized water birds that are members of the rail family (Rallidae). A medium-large dark-plumaged rail with a white undertail, red bill with a yellow tip, a red frontal shield and green-and-red legs. Voice: a variety of sharp sounds, including a loud sharp kurk or cark. Visit BirdLife Australia’s stunning conservation reserves and sanctuaries overflowing with native birdlife and other incredible flora and fauna. Individuals can grow to 720 g. Reproduction is dioecious. The absence of white on the flank, along with leg colour, separate the dusky moorhen from the otherwise similar common moorhen; young birds are browner and lack the red shield. It also may be found in parks, pastures and grassy areas close to water. Dusky moorhen. The shallow platform nests are made of reeds and other water plants over water, among reeds or on floating platforms in open water. Find places to watch birds in their native habitat. There are many ways for keen bird lovers to get involved. Join as a member, volunteer, make a donation or a bequest. In the breeding season dusky moorhens form territorial breeding groups of 2-7 adults. However, the bare parts of the species are far more colourful: it has a reddish-orange shield on its forehead, a bright-red beak with a canary-yellow tip, red legs and red or orange toes that have yellow fringes. www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz, Similar species: Pukeko, Australian coot, Black-tailed native-hen, Common moorhen. Dusky moorhen on Lake Hayes. Dusky Moorhen is a diurnal herbivore. Want to know all about our native birds? Discover and identify the urban birds in your backyard. The dusky moorhen is a medium-sized dark grey-black waterbird with a white undertail. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dusky_Moorhen, Barlow, M. 1969. Dusky moorhens foraging on the ground flick their tails vertically, revealing their conspicuous white undertail coverts. Two or more females will lay their eggs in the same nest and all members of the group help to incubate the eggs and feed the young. 2, raptors to lapwings. Dusky moorhen. The even rarer common moorhen is very similar but has white stripes on the flank and yellow legs. Young birds are duller and browner than adults, with a dark olive-green bill and face shield. Adult. The even rarer common moorhen is very similar but has white stripes on the flank and yellow legs. It does not dive when feeding; its tail is always visible above the water when upended. Dusky Moorhen compiled distribution map - BirdLife International. Two other ‘gallinules’ – the black-tailed native-hen and the common moorhen – have also been recorded from New Zealand as rare vagrants. We don't want to get you in a flap, but there's less than a month till Christmas! It will also eat carrion (dead animals) and the droppings of other birds. Visit us in Sydney Olympic Park where you can learn about, see and engage with Australian birds up close and personal. By joining the biggest community of bird lovers in Australia, you can help us make a positive impact on the future of our native birdlife. So why not tick some Christmas sh… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…, Only 2 more sleeps till #GivingTuesday when we premiere our beautiful and moving #toondahharbour video! We are also the meeting ground for everyone with an interest in birds from the curious backyard observer to the dedicated research scientist. Our education programs share knowledge and experience in a friendly hands-on environment with staff and volunteers that know and love Australia's birds and their habitats. The dusky moorhen are widespread in eastern and south-western Australia, and has recently established in Tasmania. It has a red bill with a yellow tip and a red facial shield. You can participate and share in activities and projects with local experts all over Australia. Dusky Moorhen is found in wetland habitats, with a preference for freshwater marshes. It is associated with freshwater habitat. Young birds are much duller and browner than adults, with a greenish bill and face shield. They are found in wetland habitats, including swamps, creeks, rivers and lagoon estuaries. This species builds a bulky nest at the water's edge, and lays 5-18 whitish eggs. The Dusky Moorhen is found from Indonesia through New Guinea to Australia. The dusky moorhen are widespread in eastern and south-western Australia, and has recently established in Tasmania. Distribution and habitat . It has a red bill with a yellow tip and a red facial shield. Image © Imogen Warren by Imogen Warren. Or you can… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…. It will forage on rubbish tips, and is generally omnivorous, taking a wide variety of plant and animal food. Two other water hen species are similar to the Dusky Moorhen but can be easily distinguished. We hold regular events and activities throughout the year and some have been taking place for decades. Notornis 16: 81-84.http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_16_2.pdf. BirdLife Australia has a long and proud history of excellence in publishing. White Library is the most comprehensive ornithological library in Australia, containing thousands of books, journals, and media about birds and related topics. They are also widespread in Indonesia, Borneo, Sulawesi and New Guinea. Our policies, submissions and campaigns make us the leading voice for Australia’s birds by influencing decision makers and stakeholders. It is also found in parts of Tasmania and South Australia, but are uncommon. There are many ways you can help us help our native birds. Your support makes a real difference. It occurs in India, Australia, New Guinea, Borneo and Indonesia. In Miskelly, C.M. The Dusky Moorhen is a medium-sized, dark grey-black water bird with a white undertail. RANGE: Our Bird Observatories in Western Australia may be a little off the track, but that’s what makes them such magical places to see birds. The Dusky Moorhen feeds in the water and on land on algae, water plants and grasses, as well as seeds, fruits, molluscs and other invertebrates. Preferred habitats include well-vegetated freshwater wetlands including flowing streams, large lakes, reservoirs and urban ponds. Explore our vital programs, which focus conservation efforts on what needs to be done so that Australia's birds and their habitats flourish. There are two New Zealand records, both of single birds: Lake Hayes, Otago (August-October 1968), Lake Ellesmere (February 2005). The bill is red with a yellow tip, with a red frontal shield extending on to the forehead. Maps of Habitat Suitability. Vol. Similar species: pukeko is larger, more blue underneath, and more upright, with a sold red bill and larger, continuous white undertail. Where To Look. It occurs in India, Australia, New Guinea, Borneo and Indonesia. de Lisle, G.W. We always need more citizen scientists. 2013. Geographical variation: Three subspecies: tenebrosa in Australia, frontata in Indonesia, and neumanni in New Guinea. New Zealand Birds Online. Although birds are usually quite easy to see, often they are more difficult to identify. During breeding season, the Dusky Moorhen forms breeding groups of two to seven birds, with all members defending territory, building nests and looking after young. In the non-breeding season birds gather together in loose flocks of up to 100 or more birds. HABITAT: Dusky Moorhen lives in wetlands, freshwater marshes, swamps and rivers.