Common Gallinule

The Common Gallinule, (Gallinula galeata) is a North American bird in the Rallidae family which has recently been split from the Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) by the AOU in July 2011. It lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions, or many tropical rainforests. But elsewhere the Common Gallnule is likely the most commonly seen rail species in much of North America, excepting the American Coot in some regions.

Common Gallinule feet have no webbingThe Gallinule has dark plumage apart from the white undertail, yellow legs and a red facial shield. The young are browner and lack the red shield. It has a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened.

This is a common breeding bird in marsh environments and well-vegetated lakes. Populations in areas where the waters freeze, such as southern Canada, and the northern USA, will migrate to more temperate climes. This species will consume a wide variety of vegetable material and small aquatic creatures. They forage beside or in the water, sometimes upending in the water to feed. It is often secretive, but can become tame in some areas. Despite loss of habitat in parts of its range, the Common Gallinule remains plentiful and widespread. They fight over territories and also hop around Lily pads.

The Common Gallinule is as abundant as its vernacular name implies. It is therefore considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
(Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Gallinule)