Kenya Natural History Guide >>> Birds >>> Lesser Moorhen

Lesser Moorhen

Gallinula angulata

Lesser Moorhen, Gallinula angulata, photo © by Michael Plagens. Identified by F. N'gweno.

Photographed at Nairobi National Park, Kenya. 3 October 2010.

As the common name implies this bird is slightly smaller than the more common and widespread Common Moorhen. It is partial to shallow water or wet meadows where it feeds on tender vegetation.

Colin Jackson offers the following tip for identification: the bill colour is mostly yellow with the red tinge along the culmen, but also note the pointed top to the 'frontal shield' / bill - apparently this is a good feature if you get views / photos like this since Common Moorhen has a rounded one.

Rallidae -- Rail Family

Books Available for Sale on ABE Books:

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, 2010