Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Common residents, particularly in the lowlands with 240,000 pairs breeding in Britain & Ireland & 320,000 more in Winter on freshwater lakes and reservoirs.

Also breeds in mainland Europe.

Adults are black and brown plumage, with the exception of a white under-tail, white streaks on the flanks, yellow legs and a red frontal shield.

The bill is red with a yellow tip. 

Juvniles are browner and lack the red shield.

They have a wide range of gargling calls and will emit loud hisses when threatened.