Moorhen

The Moorhen is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird that is usually found near water. From a distance it looks black with a ragged white line along its body. However, closer up it is olive-brown on the back and the head and blue-grey underneath. It has a red bill with a yellow tip.

The Moorhen can be found all year round almost anywhere where there is water. They breed in lowland areas particularly in central and eastern England but are scarce in northern Scotland and the uplands of Wales and northern England. UK breeding birds are residents and seldom travel far.

Date: 24th December 2007

Location: Salthouse, Norfolk